2026 World Baseball Classic: Venezuela and Italy Play for a Spot in the Final; Time and Where to Watch
Pitcher Michael Lorenzen will start for Team Italy, while Keider Montero will be in charge of starting for Team Venezuela in the semifinal that both teams will dispute on Monday night, March 16, in the World Baseball Classic.
TL;DR
- Michael Lorenzen is scheduled to start for Italy against Venezuela's Keider Montero in the World Baseball Classic semifinal.
- Lorenzen had a strong showing in Italy's group stage, and Montero had a solid relief appearance for Venezuela.
- This is Italy's first semifinal appearance since 2006, while Venezuela's only previous semifinal was in 2009.
- Lorenzen is a 34-year-old right-hander with MLB experience, including an All-Star selection in 2023.
- Montero, 25, debuted in MLB in 2024 and had a 5-3 record with a 4.37 ERA in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers.
- Italy made roster changes, with Joe Jacques replacing Dylan DeLucia and Brayan Rocchio replacing the injured Miles Mastrobuoni.
- The semifinal match will be held at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, starting at 7:00 p.m.