In their opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic pool play, Venezuela defeated the Netherlands 6-2, thanks to a pivotal home run by Javier Sanoja in the second inning. This homer provided a lead that Venezuela maintained throughout the contest, highlighting the significance of Sanoja’s performance in his first at-bat of the tournament.
Sanoja Steps In Following Chourio’s Injury, Delivers Key Hit
Javier Sanoja was inserted into Venezuela’s starting lineup after Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio was sidelined due to being hit by a pitch in an exhibition game. Taking on a utility role, Sanoja was placed eighth in the batting order and assigned center field duties.
Facing Netherlands pitcher Antwone Kelly in the second inning, Sanoja launched a 98.3 mph fastball over the left-field fence, instantly giving Venezuela a 2-1 advantage. Sanoja finished the game with two hits in four at-bats, including that crucial homer.
“That’s just part of my role,”
Sanoja said.
“I know what my role is, and I love what my role is because I know I can help my team, and in reality, I just feel so happy. When it comes to when I found out I was going to start, I found out last night.”
— Javier Sanoja, Venezuelan Outfielder
Venezuela Opens Scoring Early and Builds Momentum
The Venezuelan offense wasted no time taking the lead. On the very first pitch of the game, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves smacked a 112.1 mph double to left-center field. Former Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez followed with an RBI single, driving in Acuña and giving Venezuela an early 1-0 edge.
After a lull in scoring until the fifth inning, Venezuela added four important runs. With bases loaded, Arraez earned a walk that pushed home a run. Following a change in Netherlands’ pitching, Wilson Contreras of the Red Sox delivered an RBI single, followed by another RBI single from his teammate Wilyer Abreu. These hits expanded Venezuela’s lead to 6-1.
Pitching Performances Highlight the Match
Ranger Suárez was the winning pitcher for Venezuela, starting the game and pitching two innings, allowing just one run on three hits, issuing one walk, and recording one strikeout. Suárez threw 43 pitches, well within the 65-pitch limit established for pool play. It remains uncertain whether the Red Sox placed restrictions on his workload.
Opposing him was Antwone Kelly, a top prospect from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kelly pitched for three innings, surrendering two runs on four hits, with one walk and one strikeout. His fastball reached 100.3 mph, and his lone strikeout victim was Wilyer Abreu.
Netherlands’ Lineup Includes Growing Talent Amid Experienced Players
The Netherlands fielded a lineup featuring four major leaguers, along with promising prospects. Notably, prospect Druw Jones, the son of manager Andruw Jones and ranked as Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 16 prospect by MLB Pipeline, contributed by driving in Hendrik Clementina with an RBI single in the second inning to tie the game 1-1. He also added a sac fly later in the game that drove in the Netherlands’ second run.
Team Updates and Upcoming Matchups
Among the Venezuelan contingent, Sanoja was one of ten Marlins active in the tournament, while prospects Ian Lewis Jr. (Great Britain) and Yiddi Cappe (Cuba) also started for their respective teams. Venezuela, now 1-0 in pool play, is scheduled to face Israel in the night game on Saturday. The Netherlands, having dropped to 0-1, will compete in an earlier match at noon against Nicaragua.
Impact of Sanoja’s Performance and Tournament Outlook
Javier Sanoja’s timely home run and overall contribution at the plate underscore his value to the Venezuelan team, especially given his last-minute inclusion in the starting lineup. His emotional connection to representing Venezuela was clear after the game.
“It’s just another feeling with Venezuela on my chest; it felt great. To see all the Venezuelan fans in the stands, it will be an unforgettable moment for me.”
— Javier Sanoja, Venezuelan Outfielder
This victory sets an important tone for Venezuela as the tournament continues. With strong performances from both emerging players and established stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., the team appears poised to contend in the World Baseball Classic. The Netherlands will aim to recover swiftly in their upcoming games to stay competitive in pool play.
