#venezuela

Colombia’s earthquake is déjà vu for Venezuelans. The government response is anything but The recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia, which struck on Monday, has drawn stark comparisons to Venezuela’s back-to-back tremors in June, highlighting the divergent approaches of the two neighboring nations in managing the aftermath of natural disasters. While both events left widespread devastation, the contrasting government responses underscored the differences in political systems, institutional capacity, and resource allocation. In Venezuela, acting President Delcy Rodríguez delayed her initial address to the nation for nearly four hours after the June 24 earthquakes, while Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella swiftly established an emergency command post within an hour of the quake. The disparity in response times became a symbol of the broader differences between Venezuela’s authoritarian governance and Colombia’s democratic framework. In Venezuela, civilians were left to manually clear rubble, whereas Colombia deployed heavy machinery and international rescue teams almost immediately. The contrast in aid coordination further emphasized the divide. Venezuela relied heavily on foreign rescuers to fill gaps in its under-resourced emergency response, while Colombia initially rejected foreign crews, citing sufficient domestic capabilities. Instead, Colombia requested humanitarian supplies, a decision that drew criticism from China’s ambassador, who questioned the clarity of the country’s international coordination efforts. Colombia’s political transition also shaped its response.#venezuela #colombia #delcy_rodriguez #gustavo_petro #abelardo_de_la_espriella

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 4,300 as Recovery Efforts Face Massive Challenges The death toll from Venezuela’s catastrophic twin earthquakes has exceeded 4,300, according to government reports released on Saturday. The devastation, caused by a 7.5-magnitude quake followed by a 7.2-magnitude shock on 24 June, flattened entire districts in the coastal state of La Guaira, leaving thousands missing and over 17,000 injured. Venezuelan parliament chief Jorge Rodríguez confirmed the toll via Telegram, stating that at least 4,333 people were killed and 16,740 sustained injuries. Rescue operations have paused, but families continue to search the rubble for survivors, hoping to provide dignified burials. The earthquakes struck just 39 seconds apart, triggering widespread destruction. High-rise apartment blocks were reduced to rubble, with entire neighborhoods left in ruins. The 7.5-magnitude quake, the most powerful in Venezuela in over a century, caused catastrophic damage, while the subsequent 7.2-magnitude shock compounded the crisis. In the days following the disaster, a 3.0-magnitude tremor in central Caracas caused temporary panic and led to building evacuations, highlighting the ongoing seismic instability in the region. The scale of the recovery effort is unprecedented, complicated by Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis, which has severely weakened state services. The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for nearly $300 million to support relief operations for 1.3 million people affected by the disaster. The appeal underscores the dire need for aid in a country where non-governmental organizations have historically faced government repression.#venezuela #united_nations #delcy_rodriguez #la_guaira #jorge_rodriguez

Families of Two Football Players Killed in Venezuela Earthquakes The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, have claimed at least 1,719 lives, with families of two professional footballers among the victims. The disaster has left communities in devastation, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors amid the rubble. The quakes, the most powerful in Venezuela since 1900, have also prompted international aid efforts, as the death toll is expected to rise significantly. Lucas Trejo, an Argentinian footballer signed to Club Sport Marítimo of La Guaira, lost his wife, Yanina, and their two children, Aaron and Ainhoa, in the catastrophe. Trejo, who was training with his team in Caracas when the earthquakes struck, returned to his hometown of La Guaira, which was heavily damaged. His brother-in-law, Ricardo Ardiles, described the aftermath as “absolutely nothing” remaining of their home. Trejo spent three days searching through the rubble for his family before their bodies were recovered by rescue workers. Another local player, Héctor Bello, lost his wife, Andrea, who died shielding their infant daughter when their home collapsed. The child, Alana, was later found by rescuers, local media reported. She is in a stable condition alongside her aunt, according to Bello, who was away from home when the earthquake struck. “You gave your own life for our daughter … you were a brave woman who never abandoned her, even as you took your last breaths,” he wrote in an Instagram post. According to Venezuelan football officials, the disaster also claimed the lives of youth players Victor Palacios and Razan Sijaa. Palacios played for Club Sport San Augustín’s academy.#venezuela #caracas #club_sport_maritimo #la_guaira #swiss_rescue_team

Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slam Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas Two massive earthquakes struck off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread panic and structural damage across the country. The first tremor, initially measured at 7.1 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey, was later revised to 7.2, with its epicenter located west of the coastal town of Morón, approximately 168 kilometers from Caracas. Just minutes later, a second, even stronger quake with a magnitude of 7.5 rattled the region, its epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón. Both quakes, with depths of 22 kilometers and 10 kilometers respectively, were among the most severe to hit Venezuela in over a century. The tremors caused buildings to collapse in Caracas, the capital, as residents fled their homes in fear. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with entire walls of structures falling and furniture visible from the streets. Dust clouds rose in two busy neighborhoods, and power and cellphone signals were lost in parts of the city. "We all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together," said Hector Ricci, a resident of Caracas, describing the sudden evacuation. The lack of communication further heightened anxiety, particularly for families displaced by Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, with over 7.7 million people having left the country. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez failed to address the nation within three hours of the earthquakes, despite the government’s lack of immediate reports on casualties or damage. This delay drew sharp criticism from opposition figures and Venezuelans. Edmundo González, the opposition’s 2024 presidential candidate, called the uncertainty "yet another layer of anguish," while Maria Corina Machado, an exiled opposition leader, urged solidarity amid the crisis.#venezuela #caracas #morn #delcy_rodrguez #edmundo_gonzlez

Venezuela Earthquakes Trigger Widespread Damage, Evacuations, and Global Concerns A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, causing significant damage in the capital, Caracas, and raising alarms about the country’s already fragile infrastructure. The first quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5, hit near the northern coast, approximately 28 kilometers northwest of Montalbán, a region home to Venezuela’s largest oil refineries. Just 40 seconds later, a foreshock of 7.2 magnitude followed, intensifying the chaos. The tremors collapsed buildings, sent residents fleeing their homes, and left many stranded as emergency crews scrambled to respond. Residents in Caracas described harrowing scenes as they evacuated buildings with their families and pets. Maria Alejandra, a survivor, recounted how walls in her apartment cracked and that they had to pry open a door to escape. “We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbors coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out,” she said. The US Embassy in Caracas issued an alert to American citizens, urging them to seek shelter and avoid damaged areas. The message emphasized the importance of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency contact. The earthquakes also triggered a tsunami warning from the US Tsunami Warning Centers, which initially advised coastal areas including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to prepare for potentially dangerous waves. However, the warning was later canceled as experts confirmed no tsunami threat. The US Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the quakes did not generate waves capable of reaching distant shores.#venezuela #caracas #us_embassy #montalban #us_tsunami_warning_centers

Trump says ‘Cuba is next’ in speech touting U.S. military successes U.S. President Donald Trump addressed an investment forum in Miami on Friday, March 27, 2026, declaring that “Cuba is next” in a speech highlighting perceived U.S. military successes in Venezuela and Iran. While Trump did not outline specific plans for Cuba, he reiterated his belief that the island nation’s government, grappling with a severe economic crisis, is nearing collapse. The remarks came amid ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Cuban leadership, with Trump hinting at potential kinetic action against Havana. In his speech, Trump emphasized his administration’s military capabilities, stating, “I built this great military. I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next by the way.” He later added, “But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t,” suggesting his comments were provocative or controversial. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged ongoing talks with the U.S. to avoid military conflict, though the island’s economy remains strained by disrupted oil imports. Cuba relies heavily on oil for power plants and transportation, and Venezuela, once a major supplier, has cut off shipments since its new government under pressure from Washington. This shift has exacerbated Cuba’s economic challenges. Trump’s remarks about Cuba followed earlier comments in March 2026, where he suggested the island could face a “friendly takeover,” though he later qualified the statement. The U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January had previously disrupted Cuba’s oil supply, further complicating its economic situation.#united_states #venezuela #donald_trump #cuba #miguel_diazcanel

USA Advances to WBC Championship After Controversial Call, Italy & Venezuela Fight for Finals Bid The United States secured its place in the World Baseball Classic championship game for the third consecutive tournament, thanks to a dramatic 2–1 victory over the Dominican Republic. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when a controversial strike three call ended the game, sparking debate among players and fans. Despite the Dominican Republic’s high-octane offense, the U.S. team’s dominant pitching, led by Paul Skenes, and a resilient bullpen held them in check throughout the contest. The matchup, hailed as one of the most star-studded games in WBC history, was marked by intense competition. The U.S. lineup, featuring top-tier talent, managed to outlast the DR’s explosive attack, which had been a major threat throughout the tournament. Skenes’ performance was pivotal, as he combined with a strong bullpen to limit the DR’s scoring opportunities. However, the game’s conclusion remains contentious, with Dominican Republic players and fans expressing frustration over the final call. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for improved umpiring protocols, including the potential implementation of automatic ball-strike technology, which could be introduced in future tournaments. As the tournament progresses, the semifinal showdown between Italy and Venezuela will determine the final opponent for the United States in the championship. Both teams have shown resilience, with Venezuela upsetting Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy advancing through a tough path. Analysts note that Venezuela’s victory over Japan was not entirely unexpected, given their strong performance and depth.#united_states #venezuela #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #paul_skenes

Dominican Republic and Venezuela Celebrate Historic Qualification for LA28 Olympic Games The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have become the first teams across all sports to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in Olympic history. Their advancement to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic secured their spots in the LA28 program, which features 36 sports and 51 disciplines. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of baseball and its role in paving the way for other sports to follow suit. The Dominican Republic, a two-time world champion, secured its qualification with a dominant 10–0 victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals. The win was celebrated as a historic moment for the nation, with players and fans expressing pride in their representation. Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodríguez, who helped the team win bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, described the atmosphere as "the most electric game" he had ever been part of. He emphasized the emotional weight of competing for his country, stating, "This is for my country, my town, my neighborhood, and everyone in the Dominican Republic." Manager Albert Pujols, a former MLB legend who never played in the Olympics, echoed this sentiment, calling it "a privilege and a responsibility we carry with great pride." Venezuela, a three-time world champion, followed suit with a landmark victory over Japan, the defending world champions, in the quarterfinals. This win marked the first time Venezuela would compete in Olympic baseball, a moment described by manager Omar López as "historic." President of the Venezuelan Baseball Federation, Aracelis León, highlighted the cultural significance of baseball in her country, stating it "means identity, family, unity, ethics, and national pride.#venezuela #dominican_republic #los_angeles_2028 #julio_rodriguez #albert_pujols

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

Venezuela remonta y sorprende a Shohei Ohtani y a Japón, para ir a semis de Clásico Mundial Venezuela logró una histórica remontada para vencer a Japón por 8-5 en el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol y avanzar a las semifinales del torneo, el sábado 14 de marzo de 2026. El triunfo, que marcó su primer paso a la ronda de los cuatro mejores desde 2009, también aseguró su lugar en el grupo de seis naciones para el torneo olímpico de béisbol de 2028, junto con Estados Unidos y la República Dominicana. El partido fue definido por un espectacular jonrón de tres carreras de Wilyer Abreu en el sexto inning, que dio a Venezuela una ventaja de 7-5. Este fue el primer cuadrangular del torneo para Abreu, quien conectó la pelota ante el lanzador Hiromi Itoh, aprovechando una recta de cuatro costuras con cuenta de 2-1. La carrera se registró a 409 pies hacia el jardín derecho, consolidando el liderazgo de Venezuela en la parte final del encuentro. La remontada venezolana fue encabezada por Maikel García, quien abrió la remontada con un cuadrangular de dos anotaciones en el quinto acto, acercando a su equipo a 5-4. El partido se decidió en la octava entrada, cuando Ezequiel Tovar añadió un doble y aprovechó un error de Atsuki Taneichi para poner el marcador 8-5. Shohei Ohtani, el Jugador Más Valioso del Clásico Mundial de 2023, no fue suficiente para Japón, que vio interrumpida su racha de 11 victorias consecutivas en el torneo. Ohtani conectó su tercer jonrón del certamen en el primer inning, elevando un slider 2-1 de Ranger Suárez y enviando la pelota a 427 pies por el jardín central. Sin embargo, Japón no logró mantener la ventaja, ya que Ronald Acuña Jr. disparó un cuadrangular en el segundo lanzamiento de Yoshinobu Yamamoto, rompiendo el empate.#venezuela #clsico_mundial #shohei_ohtani #japon #wilyer_abreu

Venezuela upsets Team USA to win first World Baseball Classic title Venezuela claimed its first World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Team USA in the final game of the 2026 tournament. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when Eugenio Suárez hit a clutch double to put Venezuela ahead, followed by Daniel Palencia’s game-ending save. The win marked the first WBC title in Venezuelan history and extended Team USA’s streak of finishing as runners-up, now in back-to-back years. The title game was a tense affair, with Venezuela leading 2-0 into the eighth inning before Bryce Harper tied the score with a two-run home run. The momentum shifted again in the ninth when Suárez’s double re-established the lead. Palencia then closed the door, securing the victory for Venezuela. The American lineup, which included stars like Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Kyle Schwarber, struggled to generate offense, managing only three hits in the contest. Venezuela’s path to the final was equally dramatic. The team staged a comeback in the semifinals against Italy, a Cinderella story that had advanced to the final four. Italy had defeated the Dominican Republic in a tense 2-1 semifinal, with Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony hitting solo home runs to secure the win. Team USA, meanwhile, had overcome a challenging pool play schedule, finishing second in Pool B with a 3-1 record. The U.S. narrowly avoided elimination when Italy’s victory over Mexico secured their spot in the semifinals, bypassing the complicated tiebreaker rules. The 2026 WBC bracket saw several standout performances and upsets. In the group stage, the Dominican Republic dominated with a 10-0 win over Korea, while the United States edged Canada 5-3.#venezuela #world_baseball_classic #team_usa #eugenio_suarez #daniel_palencia

Venezuela's dugout dance at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) has become a symbol of the team's cultural pride and unity as they advance to their first-ever final in the tournament's history. The unique tradition, known as tambores, blends music and movement to reflect the nation's vibrant heritage. This practice, rooted in the traditional drumming of el tambor, has been a defining feature of Venezuela's journey through the competition. The dance, which involves players and coaches forming a circle around a drum, is more than just a celebration—it's a way for the team to connect with their roots and express their identity. Venezuela manager Omar López described the ritual as an embodiment of the country itself, saying, “That's our country. That's us. That's winter ball. That's how we enjoy our baseball.” The tradition highlights the deep cultural ties Venezuelans have to baseball, which is often referred to as “winter ball” due to its seasonal nature in the country. This cultural expression is part of a broader trend in the WBC, where teams incorporate elements of their national identity into the tournament. While other nations have showcased home run celebrations or pre-game rituals, Venezuela's tambores dance stands out for its rhythmic coordination and communal spirit. López emphasized that such traditions vary across Latin American baseball cultures, noting that Puerto Rico’s La Plena, the Dominican Republic’s Merengue and Bachata, and other regional styles all contribute to the tournament’s diversity. “It’s kind of the same, but it’s a different type of music,” he said, underscoring the shared yet distinct ways teams celebrate their heritage. The WBC’s appeal lies in its ability to showcase these cultural narratives, turning the competition into a global celebration of baseball’s unifying power.#venezuela #miami #world_baseball_classic #omar_lopez #tambores

Venezuela’s pre-game ritual at the World Baseball Classic is a vibrant celebration of its Afro-Venezuelan heritage, blending music, dance, and cultural pride. Before each match, Team Venezuela gathers in a circle in its dugout, where pitcher Eduard Bazardo drums on a traditional instrument called el tambor. The players then take turns jumping in and out of the circle, showcasing their rhythmic moves as part of the tambores tradition. This practice, rooted in Venezuela’s cultural identity, has become a defining feature of the team’s pre-game preparation. Tambores, a form of music and dance, is central to the ritual. The drum serves as the heartbeat of the performance, often accompanied by a single drummer or an entire ensemble. Alvarez, a writer and co-founder of El Extrabase, describes tambores as deeply Caribbean, with variations in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. However, he emphasizes its traditional roots in Venezuela, where it is a symbol of national pride. “That’s our country,” said Venezuela manager Omar López, who noted that the dance reflects the team’s identity and how Venezuelans enjoy baseball. The tradition extends beyond the baseball field, permeating everyday life in Venezuela. Alvarez explained that tambores is a staple at parties, especially in coastal towns like Ocumare de la Cosa, where pitcher Bazardo grew up, and La Sabana or La Guaira, home to players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel Garcia. At these gatherings, the music transitions from salsa, merengue, and reggaeton to the energetic rhythm of tambores, often reaching its peak during “hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” around midnight.#venezuela #world_baseball_classic #eduard_bazardo #omar_lopez #alvarez

World Baseball Classic Final Features Mariners Players on Both Teams The World Baseball Classic final has a unique Seattle connection, with Cal Raleigh and Gabe Speier representing Team USA and Eduardo Bazardo, Jhonathan Díaz, and Eugenio Suárez playing for Venezuela. This split gives Mariners fans a stake in either outcome and adds intrigue to the high-stakes international title game. Team USA secured its spot with a 2-1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, overcoming a tough lineup and challenging conditions. Venezuela reached the final after a 4-2 comeback win against Italy, marking the country’s first appearance in a WBC final. The matchup balances Venezuela’s underdog momentum against Team USA’s roster depth and star power. Venezuela’s run has been fueled by a strong underdog narrative, while Team USA relies on veteran experience and elite talent. The game’s outcome could hinge on which team’s story—reliability or late-game surges—proves more decisive. Key Mariners players to watch include Cal Raleigh, who enters the final with a 0-for-9 record but has a history of performing in critical moments. Gabe Speier, despite a mixed stat line, is trusted on a championship roster, with his impact likely shaped by matchup decisions. Eduardo Bazardo’s scoreless inning in the semifinal highlights his value in late-game situations. Jhonathan Díaz adds bullpen depth for Venezuela, while Eugenio Suárez brings a veteran bat capable of shifting momentum with a single swing. The presence of multiple Mariners players on both teams influences how managers approach matchups. Decisions on reliever usage and hitter strategies may prioritize familiarity with tendencies and recent form over traditional reputations. For bettors, the final favors player props and situational bets over a straightforward moneyline.#venezuela #world_baseball_classic #team_usa #cal_raleigh #gabe_speier

USA vs. Venezuela in World Baseball Classic Final: Tensions and Triumphs Team USA and Venezuela are set to face off in the final of the World Baseball Classic, a matchup that highlights both the sporting prowess and the complex history between the two nations. The game, scheduled for Tuesday night, pits the United States against Venezuela, two teams that have long shared a history of rivalry, both on and off the field. Venezuela secured its place in the final with a semifinal victory over Italy, while the United States advanced after defeating the Dominican Republic. This will mark the third consecutive World Baseball Classic final for the United States, underscoring their dominance in the tournament. The rivalry between the two nations has deep roots, complicated by decades of political and economic tensions. The recent events have further intensified this dynamic, particularly following the U.S. military raid on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s compound in January 2026. The raid resulted in Maduro’s capture and his subsequent arrest in New York on drug trafficking charges, a development that has drawn significant attention and political maneuvering. The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has been vocal in its criticism of Maduro, labeling him an illegitimate leader and accusing him of leading a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking. These tensions have spilled into the broader geopolitical landscape, with the U.S. imposing sanctions, deploying military assets to the Caribbean, and escalating diplomatic confrontations. The World Baseball Classic final carries added weight due to these recent developments. The U.S.#venezuela #donald_trump #nicolas_maduro #world_baseball_classic #team_usa

Aaron Nola to Start World Baseball Classic Semifinal for Italy MIAMI — Aaron Nola will take the mound in Monday night’s World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy, facing Venezuela, after Italy manager Francisco Cervelli decided to switch starting pitchers. The announcement came on Monday, with Cervelli revealing the change had been made the previous day. Cervelli explained his reasoning, stating, “My reason was my gut. Everyone is available, but I think Nola is the right person. That’s my opinion, and I’m taking responsibility for my decisions.” Nola, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, will look to build on his strong performance in the group stage. He earned the win in Italy’s final group game against Mexico on March 11, pitching five scoreless innings with four hits allowed, five strikeouts, and one walk. He threw 69 pitches in that outing. Venezuela will counter with right-hander Keider Montero, a 25-year-old pitcher, in the semifinal at LoanDepot Park. The winner of Monday’s matchup will advance to face the United States in the final on Tuesday night. The decision to start Nola over Michael Lorenzen, Italy’s original choice, highlights the manager’s confidence in the veteran’s ability to lead the team in a high-stakes game. With the World Baseball Classic entering its critical phase, Cervelli’s choice underscores the importance of having a reliable starter capable of handling the pressure of a semifinal showdown. Nola’s presence in the lineup also adds depth to Italy’s pitching rotation, providing a balance between experience and the potential energy of younger players. As the tournament progresses, such strategic decisions will play a key role in determining which teams advance to the championship round.#venezuela #loandepot_park #world_baseball_classic #francisco_cervelli #aaron_nola

Cuba's national electric grid collapses, leaving millions without power Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on Monday, the country's grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has crippled the island's already obsolete generation system. Grid operator UNE announced on social media it was investigating the causes of the blackout, the latest in a series of widespread outages that have persisted for hours or days. This weekend’s outages sparked a rare violent protest in the communist-run country. Officials ruled out a major power plant failure but had not yet identified the root cause of the grid collapse, suggesting a problem with transmission. Efforts to restore power began with small clusters of circuits, or microsystems, across the country, an early but necessary step in bringing the full grid back online. The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba this year, particularly after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s most important foreign benefactor, in January. U.S. President Donald Trump cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to the island, further straining Cuba’s already antiquated grid. Cuba has entered talks with the United States in hopes of resolving the crisis. Trump has claimed recently that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and is eager to negotiate a deal. Cubans have grown accustomed to power outages, which are often linked to oil supply shortages or systemic failures in the grid. According to LSEG ship tracking data, Cuba has received only two small oil shipments this year. The first tanker, from Mexico, arrived in January at the Havana port, while the second, from Jamaica, delivered liquefied petroleum gas in February.#us #venezuela #cuba #une #cuba_grid

World Baseball Classic Final Four Set After Japan's Exit The World Baseball Classic has entered its final four teams after Japan's elimination in the quarterfinals, with Italy and Venezuela advancing to the semifinals in Miami. Defending champion Japan fell to Venezuela in a thrilling matchup, while Italy continued its unexpected run by defeating Puerto Rico. The semifinals will feature Italy vs. Venezuela on Monday and the United States vs. Dominican Republic on Sunday, setting the stage for the championship game. Italy's journey to the semifinals was marked by a dramatic 8-6 victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals. The Azzurri, known for their high-powered offense, held off a late rally by the Puerto Ricans to secure their place in the final four. Manager Francisco Cervelli praised the team's resilience, calling it "one of the best chapters of my life." Italy's success continued after earlier defeating the United States and Mexico, with their offensive prowess highlighted by a dozen home runs in their first four games. Despite not hitting a home run in their latest win, the team's ability to deliver under pressure solidified their position in the tournament. Japan's exit came in a high-scoring clash against Venezuela, where the defending champions were outslugged by the South American squad. The game featured four home runs, with Venezuela's Maikel Garcia and Wilyer Abreu hitting key three-run shots to secure the victory. Japan's Shota Morishita and Teruaki Sato contributed with a three-run homer and an RBI double, respectively, but Venezuela's offensive surge proved too much. The loss ended Japan's reign as champions, with Venezuela now set to face Italy in the semifinals.#united_states #venezuela #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #italy

World Baseball Classic 2026 Quarterfinals Recap and DR/USA Preview The World Baseball Classic 2026 quarterfinals delivered thrilling performances and historic milestones as Italy and Venezuela advanced to the semifinals, while Puerto Rico and Japan fell short. The games highlighted the depth of talent across the globe and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the United States and the Dominican Republic. In the Italy vs. Puerto Rico matchup, the Italian team showcased resilience and offensive firepower, overcoming a strong Puerto Rican lineup. Puerto Rico’s Willi Castro opened the scoring with a leadoff home run, giving his team a 4-1 lead after the first inning. However, Italy’s offense surged in the fourth, expanding their advantage to 8-2 despite a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that cut the deficit to 4-2 in the second. Puerto Rico fought back in the late innings, but Red Sox reliever Jacob Weissert closed the game with a dominant 1.2-inning performance, securing an 8-6 victory for Italy. The win marked Italy’s first-ever semifinal appearance in the WBC, while Puerto Rico’s exit was bittersweet given the absence of several key players. The Venezuela vs. Japan game was a high-stakes battle featuring two of the tournament’s top pitchers. Venezuela’s Ranger Suarez faced off against Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with neither starter dominating early. Suarez struggled through 2.2 innings before allowing two home runs, including one from Shohei Ohtani. Yamamoto held Japan’s potent lineup in check for four frames but couldn’t withstand Venezuela’s relentless offense. The Venezuelans’ infield, led by Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, fueled a comeback, while the pitching staff, including Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo, stifled Japan’s offense.#japan #venezuela #italy #puerto_rico #world_baseball_classic_2026