Jose Altuve in the house cheering on Venezuela 🇻🇪 popcorn The World Baseball Classic saw a dramatic showdown between Venezuela and the United States as the two teams clashed in a high-stakes matchup. Jose Altuve, a star player for the Houston Astros, was spotted in the stands passionately supporting the Venezuelan team, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered for their national teams, with the outcome hanging in the balance throughout the contest. Venezuela took an early lead when Maikel García drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly, giving his team a 1-0 advantage. The Venezuelan squad continued to dominate the early innings, with Wilyer Abreu delivering standout performances that kept the American team on their heels. However, the United States managed to respond in the eighth inning when Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run to tie the game, showcasing his power and determination. Despite the efforts of the U.S. team, Venezuela maintained its composure. Eduardo Rodríguez, known for his sharp pitching, struck out Aaron Judge twice in the first at-bat of the finals, sending a clear message to the American hitters. The game also saw moments of tension, such as when Clayton Kershaw and Logan Webb engaged in a mid-game conversation, highlighting the camaraderie and rivalry between the players. The U.S. team struggled to find its rhythm, with their offensive woes continuing throughout the game. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s defense held strong, with key plays from the infielders preventing critical runs. The final moments of the game were tense, as both teams fought to secure a victory, but the outcome remained uncertain until the final pitch.#united_states #venezuela #wilyer_abreu #jose_altuve #maikel_garcia
Jose Altuve Returns to Support Venezuela in World Baseball Classic Final Jose Altuve, the Houston Astros’ All-Star second baseman, will be back in the stands to cheer on his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park in Miami. The matchup, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on FOX, marks Venezuela’s first appearance in the final since the tournament’s inception. Altuve, who missed the 2023 WBC due to insurance-related issues, made the 70-mile drive from West Palm Beach to Miami to watch the decisive contest. Altuve was spotted wearing a Venezuela jersey behind home plate during Monday’s thrilling semifinal victory over Italy, which secured the team’s place in the final. “I’ll be there tonight again in the same seats,” Altuve said. “It doesn’t matter how the game goes, I’ll be there supporting my boys.” His presence in the stands underscores his deep connection to the team, which he has followed since his early days as a player. The 34-year-old Altuve, who sustained a fractured right thumb after being hit by a pitch in a 2023 WBC game, recently returned to full training with the Astros. He worked out at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday morning, showered, and then traveled to Miami for the final. Despite his absence from the 2023 tournament, Altuve expressed pride in seeing his countrymen compete at the highest level. “It was fun supporting those guys,” he said. “They’re playing so good and the atmosphere and adrenaline you experience playing those games is crazy.” Venezuela’s manager, Astros bench coach Omar López, holds a special place in Altuve’s career. López, who helped scout and sign Altuve at age 16, was his first professional manager.#venezuela #loandepot_park #world_baseball_classic #omar_lopez #jose_altuve
