Team Venezuela advanced to the next round of pool play in the World Baseball Classic following its 4-3 victory over Team Italy. Having thought it was eliminated at the conclusion of its loss on Sunday night against Team Mexico, the Venezuelans have experienced the lowest of lows and now highest of highs, advancing to play in San Diego.

Team Italy starter A.J. Morris through five scoreless innings to begin the game, as Venezuela switched up its lineup, leaving second baseman Jose Altuve on the bench.

Entering the ninth inning, Italy led Venezuela 2-1. Then, Miguel Cabrera struck. The 11-time MLB All-Star tied the game with a home run off Mike DeMark.

Venezuela took the lead after second baseman Rougned Odor bat-flipped a near home run, that turned out not to be a home run after. Odor wound up with a single that gave Venezuela a 3-2 lead in the top of the inning, before adding on another run off a suicide squeeze from shortstop Alcides Escobar.

/That extra run proved pivotal, as closer Francisco Rodriguez gave up a lead-off home run to Nick Liddi to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning.

The next game for the Venezuelans will come as members of Pool F and will take place at Petco Park as part of a pool that features the Dominican Republic, United States and Puerto Rico.

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