Abreu’s 3-run blast sends Venezuela to its first WBC semifinal in 17 years

Wilyer Abreu watched the ball leave the park and tossed his bat high in the air. The comeback was on, and the win over the reigning World Baseball Classic champion Japan was within reach. Japan, its 11-game WBC winning streak on the line, held a 5-4 lead in the sixth inning of Saturday's thrilling quarterfinal matchup in Miami when Abreu put his team ahead with the biggest swing of the game: a three-run shot off Hiromi Itoh that sent the loanDepot Park crowd into a passionate roar and helpe...

By ALANIS THAMES