Israel at Venezuela

Injuries noted

The 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D matchup between **Israel** and **Venezuela** is scheduled for today, **Saturday, March 7, 2026**, at **loanDepot Park** in Miami, Florida. The game is set to begin at **7:00 p.m. ET** and will be broadcast on **FS1** (or FS2 depending on regional scheduling). ### **(1) Current Betting Odds** Odds are current as of the morning of March 7, 2026. Venezuela enters as a heavy favorite. | Sportsbook | Moneyline | Run Line | Total (O/U) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **DraftKings** | VEN -1800 / ISR +900 | VEN -3.5 (-115) / ISR +3.5 (-105) | 9.5 (-110) | | **FanDuel** | VEN -1900 / ISR +850 | VEN -3.5 (-120) / ISR +3.5 (+100) | 9.5 (-115) | | **Sportskeeda** | VEN -320 / ISR +252* | VEN -3.5 (-115) / ISR +3.5 (-105) | 9.5 (-110) | *\*Note: Some early market lines showed narrower odds, but major US books settled on Venezuela as a deep favorite following their 6-2 win over the Netherlands.* --- ### **(2) Starting Pitchers and Probable Lineups** **Starting Pitcher Matchup:** * **Israel:** **Ben Simon** (RHP, NY Mets AA-affiliate). Simon had a 2.98 ERA in 2025 with 60 strikeouts for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. * **Venezuela:** **Enmanuel De Jesus** (LHP, Detroit Tigers system). De Jesus spent 2024–2025 in the KBO (KT Wiz), posting a 3.96 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 2025. **Probable Lineups:** | **Israel (ISR)** | **Venezuela (VEN)** | | :--- | :--- | | 1. Harrison Bader (CF) | 1. Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF) | | 2. Spencer Horwitz (1B) | 2. Maikel Garcia (3B) | | 3. Matt Mervis (DH) | 3. Luis Arraez (2B) | | 4. Jake Gelof (3B) | 4. Willson Contreras (1B) | | 5. Garrett Stubbs (C) | 5. Salvador Perez (DH) | | 6. Cole Carrigg (SS) | 6. Wilyer Abreu (LF) | | 7. Troy Johnston (LF) | 7. William Contreras (C) | | 8. RJ Schreck (RF) | 8. Javier Sanoja (CF) | | 9. Benjamin Rosengard (2B) | 9. Andres Gimenez (SS) | --- ### **(3) Injuries and Roster Changes** * **Venezuela (Jackson Chourio):** The star outfielder missed the opener after being hit on the hand by a pitch in an exhibition game against the Nationals. While reports suggest he is available to pinch-run, he is likely to be held out of the starting lineup today as a precaution. * **Venezuela (Jose Altuve):** Confirmed absent from the 2026 WBC roster due to insurance complications. * **Venezuela (Pablo López):** Out for the tournament and 2026 season (Tommy John surgery); replaced on the roster by Jhonathan Díaz. * **Israel (Robert Stock):** Ruled out on March 4 due to a sudden shoulder injury. * **Israel (Dean Kremer):** Serving as the team's ace but not starting tonight; expected to be saved for later pool play games. --- ### **(4) Game Preview and Betting Analysis** * **Preview:** Venezuela enters with massive momentum after a 6-2 victory over the Netherlands on Friday, where Luis Arraez and Willson Contreras drove in two runs each. Their bullpen allowed only one hit over the final seven innings of that contest. Israel is making its Pool D debut tonight and must rely on minor-leaguer Ben Simon to navigate a Venezuelan lineup filled with MLB All-Stars. * **Analysis:** Venezuela’s offensive depth is the primary factor in the wide moneyline. Betting analysts suggest looking at the **Under 9.5 runs** as Israel’s best chance is a low-scoring game, or playing the **Venezuela Run Line (-3.5)** as they have shown the ability to overwhelm pitching depth with high-contact hitters like Arraez and Gimenez. Israel's path to an upset requires Harrison Bader and Spencer Horwitz to produce early against southpaw De Jesus.