USA-Venezuela prediction, pick how to watch
It’ll be victory or homecoming when the United States meets Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. We’re in Miami sharing our World Baseball Classic odds series, giving a USA-Venezuela prediction and tip, and showing you how to watch.
The US baseball team went down 3-1 in their group stage. First, they defeated Great Britain 6-2 before losing to Mexico 5-11. The US rebounded by dominating Canada 12-1 and edging Colombia 3-2 in a 7-inning game.
Venezuela won all four games in the group stage. First, they defeated the Dominican Republic 5-1. The Venezuelans followed with a 9-6 win over Puerto Rico and a 4-1 win over Nicaragua. Finally, they defeated Israel 5-1 in their last game. This earned them first place in their group.
USA didn’t play against strong competition but only won 3-1. Consequently, they might have fallen to Colombia if Mike Trout hadn’t clipped a two-run single to finally give the Americans the lead. Trout did well at the World Baseball Classic, going 5 for 12 with a .588 batting average, a home run and six RBIs. Now the US needs it to continue its production. Venezuela played a tough competition and defeated them all. Additionally, they combined 23 runs in four games while conceding just four.
The US starts tonight with Lance Lynn, while the Venezuelans go to the mound with Martin Perez. Consequently, both pitchers will be under immense pressure to perform when the loser goes home. Who will have the better game?
Here are the WBC odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2023 WBC Odds: USA-Venezuela Odds
US: -1.5 (+122)
Venezuela: +1.5 (-150)
Above: 8.5 (-134)
Below: 8.5 (+112)
How to watch USA vs Venezuela
TV: FUCHS
Stream: MLB
Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
*Watch Sport LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the US could cover the spread
Americans have their backs to the wall. Regardless, they are still the defending champions and will try to stay alive when they face a strong Venezuelan team that has shown no signs of weakness.
Kyle Schwarber is 1 for 6 with a .167 batting average, one home run and three RBIs this season. Unfortunately, Schwarber continued his “boom-or-bust” style and didn’t make an impact aside from his home run. Nolan Arenado hits .333 (5 for 15) with no homers and four RBIs. Meanwhile, Mookie beats Betts .235 (4 for 17) and went non-driven in one run. Paul Goldschmidt hits .273 (3 for 11) and doesn’t have a home run either. Can one of these megastars break out of their trough?
Tim Anderson bats .364 (4 for 11) and has four RBIs. Likewise, Trea Turner hits .273 (3 for 11) with a home run and two RBIs. Kyle Tucker hits .200 (2 for 10) without a home run but with two RBIs. Unfortunately, Pete Alonso failed to score in nine at-bats. These sluggers need to make contact with the ball and generate attacks at a higher rate.
The US will cover the spread if they can hit the ball more efficiently. Then they have to find a way to prevent Venezuela from hitting them. Lynn has to do his part and keep Venezuela in check.
Why Venezuela could cover the spread
Venezuela is one of the bigger upsets at the World Baseball Classics. So they haven’t lost a game and are starting to look like favorites. They thrive despite the struggles of some of their better players. Unfortunately, Ronald Acuna only hits .200 (3 for 15) with an RBI. Andres Gimenez hits .286 (4 for 15) with an RBI. Jose Altuve is batting just .167 (2 to 13) and has yet to hit a home run or drive a run-in. Also, the legendary Miguel Cabrera is batting a .111 (1 to 9) and didn’t run a run either.
But there are some bright spots in the lineup. Significantly, these players helped lead the Venezuelan national team to the elimination round. Anthony Santander hits .462 (6 for 13) with two homers and five RBIs. Also, David Peralta beats .400 (4 for 10) with four RBIs. Salvador Perez hits .500 (5 for 10) with a home run and five RBIs. Can these players continue their winning streak?
Venezuela will cover the spread if they can get to Lynn early. Then Perez must keep the American thugs at bay, especially Trout. They will shine if they can take an early lead.
Final USA-Venezuela Prediction & Selection
It’s difficult to compete against the defending champion. However, they haven’t played well lately and are not in a good position to succeed. Expect Venezuela to take advantage of recent American fighting and find a way to move forward. Unfortunately, this means that the defending champion will go home.
USA-Venezuela Final Prediction & Selection: Venezuela: +1.5 (-150)
