MIAMI (VINnews)-Venezuela erupted for three two-out runs in the seventh inning to overcome Italy’s early lead, defeating the Cinderella Azzurri 4-2 on Monday night in the World Baseball Classic semifinals at loanDepot park.

The victory sends Venezuela to its first-ever WBC championship game, where it will face the United States on Tuesday night. Italy, which had stunned higher-seeded teams including the U.S. and Puerto Rico earlier in the tournament, saw its improbable run end despite a strong start.

Venezuela starter — with Italy’s Michael Lorenzen taking the loss after allowing three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief work. Anthony Zerpa earned the win in relief for Venezuela, and David Palencia closed it out with a scoreless ninth for the save.

Italy jumped ahead early, building a 2-0 lead through the middle innings behind timely hitting. Venezuela chipped away with a solo home run by Eugenio Suarez in the fourth to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The game remained tight until the decisive seventh. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez delivered consecutive RBI hits — including key two-out contributions — to plate three runs and give Venezuela a 4-2 advantage.

Venezuela’s bullpen held firm from there, stranding potential rallies and preserving the lead.

The South American powerhouse, loaded with MLB stars including Acuña, Arraez and others, had already eliminated defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals. This semifinal triumph marks a historic milestone for a nation long known for producing elite talent but never before reaching the WBC final.

Italy, managed by Venezuelan-born Francisco Cervelli — adding an emotional layer to the matchup — finishes with a remarkable run that included a perfect pool phase and upsets over powerhouses. The Azzurri’s blend of MLB contributors like Vinnie Pasquantino and others showcased baseball’s global growth.

Venezuela outhit Italy 8-? (details sparse in early reporting), committing no errors while capitalizing on late opportunities.

The final awaits Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, pitting Venezuela against the host nation U.S. in what promises to be a star-studded clash.