**Venezuela Shocks Defending Champion Japan, Advances to Semifinals in the 2026 World Baseball Classic** In a thrilling upset, Venezuela has defeated Japan, the defending champions of the World Baseball Classic, to advance to the semifinals. The match took place at the loanDepot Park in Miami on Saturday night, with Venezuela emerging victorious by a score of 8-5. This remarkable win has left Japan staring at its worst finish ever in the World Baseball Classic. The game got off to an electrifying start as two of the world's greatest baseball players, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, both hit leadoff home runs. This was a historic moment, marking the first time in World Baseball Classic history that two leadoff players have achieved this feat. It was clear from the very beginning that this was going to be an exciting match. Japan's ace pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, was dealt a tough hand as he struggled to contain Venezuela's offense in the early innings. Acuña's leadoff homer set the tone, and three of the first six batters he faced managed to get extra-base hits. However, Yamamoto managed to settle down and finished with two runs allowed in four innings. Venezuela took the lead in the third inning, but Japan quickly regained the upper hand, scoring four runs to take a 5-2 lead. However, once the Japanese bullpen was called upon, Venezuela began to mount a comeback. Maikel Garcia's two-run homer in the fifth inning and Wilyer Abreu's three-run blast in the sixth inning turned the game around, as Venezuela took a 7-5 lead. Abreu's home run was a defining moment in the game, and it marked a significant turning point in the match. Venezuela's win has left Japan stunned and has propelled them to a semifinal showdown against Italy. This is a pivotal moment for Venezuela, and they are now just one step away from reaching the Championship Game on Tuesday.