Andres Gimenez has WBC bragging rights in Blue Jays clubhouse as Venezuela beats USA

"The South American nation toppled Team USA in the finals of the World Baseball Classic, 3-2, in a dramatic finish that truly engaged baseball observers across the globe. It's a great end to the tournament for Giménez, the shortstop of the Toronto Blue Jays, who now gets to own the bragging rights in the clubhouse over some of his teammates who were vying for the same title."

"Venezuela had always sent strong teams to the WBC, carrying talent such as future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, perennial All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, and another future Hall of Famer in catcher Salvador Perez. Yet they were never able to pull it all together until this years edition of the tournament."

"Giménez played a small role in the final game, being substituted in the bottom of the seventh as a defensive replacement at second base for Gleyber Torres and flying out in his one at-bat in the top of the ninth with the go-ahead run having just crossed the plate. However, he was a valuable veteran addition to a team that had come up short several times over the five previous tournaments."

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic championship by defeating Team USA 3-2 in a dramatic final game. Andrés Giménez, shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, contributed as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and earned his first WBC title. Venezuela had previously sent talented rosters featuring Miguel Cabrera, Jose Altuve, and Salvador Perez to five prior tournaments without winning. This championship marks Venezuela's first WBC victory. Giménez returns to Blue Jays spring training with bragging rights over teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kazuma Okamoto, and Alejandro Kirk, who were eliminated earlier. Several Blue Jays teammates on Team USA, including Tyler Rogers, Jeff Hoffman, and Ernie Clement, witnessed Venezuela's celebration.

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