The ninth inning of the championship game saw an intense moment as Venezuela’s Javier Sanoja made a crucial play. Sliding into second base, he aimed to become the go-ahead run. He successfully avoided a tag, but Team USA opted to challenge the call, resulting in significant tension.
Replay Review: Was Javier Sanoja Safe at Second Base?
After a thorough review, the decision confirmed that Sanoja was indeed safe. This moment proved to be pivotal as he later scored, contributing to Venezuela’s 3-2 victory over Team USA. This win marked Venezuela’s first championship in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Details of the Play
- Player: Javier Sanoja
- Team: Venezuela
- Event: World Baseball Classic Championship
- Date: March 18, 2026
- Final Score: Venezuela 3, USA 2
Javier Sanoja’s successful slide came under immense pressure as the U.S. sought to challenge the call on the field. Manager Mark DeRosa, not having utilized any of the team’s two allowed challenges before this instance, aimed to ensure the correctness of the decision.
Understanding the Challenge Rules
In championship WBC games, teams are allowed two replay challenges, differing from non-championship matches where standard MLB replay regulations apply. The critical nature of this moment granted the U.S. team the impetus to challenge the safe call.
Who is Javier Sanoja?
Born on September 3, 2002, in Maracay, Venezuela, Javier Sanoja is a versatile player. At 23 years old, he is capable of playing multiple positions including second base, shortstop, third base, and leftfield. Throughout the championship, he featured primarily as a pinch runner.
Sanoja had previously taken the field as a second baseman against Israel and the Netherlands during earlier tournament matches. After signing with the Miami Marlins as an international free agent in 2019, he debuted in Major League Baseball in 2024 and earned the Gold Glove Award in 2025, recognized as the National League’s top utility player.
