"Smith is no stranger to big hits, though, as he hit the winning home run in the 11th inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Smith has been a steadying presence at the plate for Team USA, batting .300 in his three games for the squad."
"Team Venezuela features stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Eugenio Suarez of the Cincinnati Reds. On the mound will be 10-year MLB veteran Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, an interesting contrast to the rookie American pitcher McLean."
"In large part because of a declining strikeout rate, E-Rod has an ERA over 5 since joining the Diamondbacks prior to 2024, and in this tournament he was roughed up by that deep Dominican Republic lineup for three runs with two homers in only 2 2/3 innings."
Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers will catch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship game against Team Venezuela. Smith gets the start over Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs last season. Smith has performed well in the tournament, batting .300 across three games with a double. He previously hit the winning home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Team USA faces a competitive Venezuelan team featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. and Eugenio Suárez. New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean starts for the Americans against Venezuela's Eduardo Rodríguez, a 10-year MLB veteran with recent struggles.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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