March 17 (UPI) -- Ronald Acuna Jr. sparked a seventh-inning, two-out rally for a comeback win over Italy, leading the Venezuelans to their first World Baseball Classic finale.
Venezuela trailed 2-1 after six innings, but crossed the plate three times in the seventh frame of the 4-2 triumph Monday in Miami. The loss was Italy's first of the tournament.
Acuna and the Venezuelans will battle Team USA in the World Baseball Classic finale Tuesday on the same field at loanDepot park.
"We have to come tomorrow and play the same way we played against Japan, the same way we played against Italy," Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia told reporters. "We have to show the world who Venezuela is."
The Italians got to Detroit Tigers starter Keider Montero early. Houston Astros infielder Zach Dezenzo singled in the second at-bat of the bottom of the second. Montero then issued consecutive walks to Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, infielder Andrew Fischer and catcher J.J. D'Orazio, prompting Dezenzo to cross the plate.
