The selection of Venezuela makes its debut in the World Baseball Classic 2026 with doubts in his offense after losing in his two preparation games in West Palm Beach, but the manager Omar Lopez He assured that he is not worried about the lack of racing production.
The Venezuelan team lost 3-1 against the Houston Astros and then 5-1 against the Washington Nationals, two games in which the batting failed to respond as expected. However, López explained that these matches are part of the adjustment process prior to the start of the tournament.
“I don’t have baseball terms to explain the offense in these two games. If people look at the statistics they will see that we didn’t give 12 or 14 hits, but these are procedural games. The guys are looking to adjust their swing and these results don’t affect us at all,” said the strategist.
Little offensive production in preparation games
In the first game, Venezuela fell 3-1 to the Astros in a duel in which the team took an early lead. Wilyer Abreu hit a hit that took him to third base and later Maikel García drove in the first run of the game.
However, Houston reacted in the sixth inning to tie the score and later took the final lead with a two-run home run by pinch-hitter Carlos Pérez, while their bullpen was in charge of securing the victory.
The second preparation duel also left offensive difficulties. Venezuela fell 5-1 to the Nationals, in a game in which Venezuelan catcher Keibert Ruiz was the protagonist by hitting a three-run home run that ended up making the difference.
The pitching left good feelings
Although the offense did not respond, the Venezuelan pitching staff showed positive aspects during the two games. The pitching managed to compete during several stretches of both games, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the bullpen and define roles for the tournament.
In addition, the games served to adjust tactical details and analyze how to respond in offensive situations with runners on base, an aspect that the team will have to improve for the championship.
Complete confidence before debut
Despite the losses and the lack of runs, López was convinced that the offense will wake up when the tournament begins.
“I’m sure that everything is going to change in Miami. When they pass the switch everything will be different and I have confidence in them,” he said.
Venezuela will debut this March 6 against the Netherlands at the loanDepot Park in Miami, in a highly competitive group where powers such as the Dominican Republic also stand out.
The Venezuelan team will have Major League figures such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio and captain Salvador Pérez, with the mission of responding offensively from the beginning and beginning their path in search of the World Classic title.
