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The 2026 World Baseball Classic ended in disappointment for Team USA. Despite being the heavy favorite Tuesday, the U.S. fell 3-2 to Venezuela in the final.
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Most players took the loss hard, with multiple members of Team USA immediately removing their silver medals while still on the field. Team manager Mark DeRosa said players were “hurting” in the locker room following the loss.
But one player managed to deal with that disappointment quickly enough to honor the winners. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper re-emerged in full uniform during Team Venezuela’s on-field celebration and went around to shake hands with and congratulate players on the winning team.
It’s unclear whether any other player on Team USA followed Harper’s lead.
Harper was asked about the gesture after the game, and said he had “nothing but respect” for the players on Venezuela, per USA Today, Bob Nightengale.
Harper was one of the few players on Team USA who turned in a strong performance Tuesday. He accounted for the team’s only two runs, belting a homer off Andrés Machado in the eighth inning. That home run briefly tied the game, but the U.S. couldn’t hold onto the lead in the ninth.
Harper was, essentially, the only bright spot on offense for Team USA during the contest. The U.S. collected just three hits in the final. Harper was responsible for two of them. Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang was the only other player on Team USA with a hit.
The loss marks the second straight time Team USA has fallen in the World Baseball Classic final. The team engaged in yet another close game in 2023, but couldn’t overcome Shohei Ohtani and Japan.
With the 2026 World Baseball Classic officially in the rear view, Harper and the rest of Team USA will return to their MLB squads to get ready for the regular season. Harper and the Phillies are once again considered one of best teams in the National League.
Perhaps Harper’s display of elite sportsmanship Tuesday will bring the Phillies good karma in 2026.
Continue reading...
[Enter Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem now for your shot at $50K]
Most players took the loss hard, with multiple members of Team USA immediately removing their silver medals while still on the field. Team manager Mark DeRosa said players were “hurting” in the locker room following the loss.
But one player managed to deal with that disappointment quickly enough to honor the winners. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper re-emerged in full uniform during Team Venezuela’s on-field celebration and went around to shake hands with and congratulate players on the winning team.
It’s unclear whether any other player on Team USA followed Harper’s lead.
Harper was asked about the gesture after the game, and said he had “nothing but respect” for the players on Venezuela, per USA Today, Bob Nightengale.
Harper was one of the few players on Team USA who turned in a strong performance Tuesday. He accounted for the team’s only two runs, belting a homer off Andrés Machado in the eighth inning. That home run briefly tied the game, but the U.S. couldn’t hold onto the lead in the ninth.
Harper was, essentially, the only bright spot on offense for Team USA during the contest. The U.S. collected just three hits in the final. Harper was responsible for two of them. Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang was the only other player on Team USA with a hit.
The loss marks the second straight time Team USA has fallen in the World Baseball Classic final. The team engaged in yet another close game in 2023, but couldn’t overcome Shohei Ohtani and Japan.
With the 2026 World Baseball Classic officially in the rear view, Harper and the rest of Team USA will return to their MLB squads to get ready for the regular season. Harper and the Phillies are once again considered one of best teams in the National League.
Perhaps Harper’s display of elite sportsmanship Tuesday will bring the Phillies good karma in 2026.
Continue reading...
