Key Highlights
- Netherlands vs. Venezuela in Pool D of 2026 WBC
- Netherlands short-handed due to performance-enhancing drugs
- Venezuela lineup led by Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Dutch manager Andruw Jones proud of his players’ opportunity
- Matchup at LoanDepot Park in Miami, March 6, 2026
Venezuela vs Netherlands: Pool D Showdown
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is heating up with the clash of two formidable teams, Venezuela and the Netherlands, set to face off in their Pool D opener on March 6, 2026. The match will take place at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Netherlands: A Short-Handed Squad
The Netherlands have been dealt a blow with versatile leadoff man Jurickson Profar testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs through MLB’s stringent testing program. Despite this setback, the Dutch team still boasts some impressive talent. Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddane Rafaela and San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts are key players. Rafaela is making his first appearance in the WBC, while Bogaerts is participating for a fourth time.
Venezuela: A Powerhouse Lineup
On the other side of the diamond, Venezuela fields a lineup that’s more than capable of giving the Netherlands a run for their money. The team features MLB star Ronald Acuña Jr., who leads an attack that also includes three-time batting champion Luis Arráez and veteran sluggers Salvador Perez and Willson Contreras.
Manager Andruw Jones Reflects on His Team’s Journey
Netherlands manager Andruw Jones is taking a moment to reflect on the growth of baseball in Curacao, where he helped nurture young players. “You see how baseball has grown,” he said before the game. “I’m proud that I could lead some of these guys to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.” Jones adds, “Take advantage of this opportunity, and you’ll see a lot of them doing it, so I’m very proud of that.”
Game Action: First Inning Highlights
The game began with Venezuela taking the lead. Acuña Jr. doubled on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning, and Luis Arráez drove him home with a single through a drawn-in infield, giving Venezuela a 1-0 advantage in the first inning.
Netherlands’ Druw Jones tied the game for his side with a two-out double off Ranger Suárez. However, Suárez managed to escape the inning without further damage, needing just 29 pitches to do so and staying within the 65-pitch limit for this round.
The Venezuelan lineup continued its dominance in the second inning, with Acuña Jr.’s powerful double into left-center field, driving home a run. The partisan crowd at LoanDepot Park was vocal, supporting their team as they maintained their lead.