Miami Marlins utility player Javier Sanoja delivered a clutch home run and a two-hit game for Venezuela in its 2026 World Baseball Classic opener against the Netherlands.
There were a lot of Miami Marlins players at the 2026 World Baseball Classic's first full day, but utility player Javier Sanoja stood out the most.
Sanoja was only supposed to play a small part for Venezuela, but he took advantage of an unexpected chance and gave one of the tournament's opening games one of its most memorable moments.
At first, it was thought that Sanoja would not start for Venezuela. The 22-year-old was added to the roster mostly as a backup who could play multiple positions. But Venezuela's plans changed quickly after Milwaukee Brewers star Jackson Chourio got hit by a pitch during an exhibition game earlier this week.
Because Chourio couldn't play, manager Omar López told Sanoja the night before Venezuela's first game that he would start in center field and bat eighth against the Netherlands. After that, the young Marlins infielder had a great game.
Sanoja didn't waste any time making a difference in his first tournament start. The Marlins prospect hit a 370-foot home run to left field on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the second inning against Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Antwone Kelly.
The blast put Venezuela ahead and changed the course of the game early on. Sarah Langs, an MLB researcher, says Sanoja is now one of only two MLB players to hit a home run in their current team's home ballpark during a World Baseball Classic game. The other player is Luis Arraez, who used to play for the Marlins.
Sanoja played the whole game and went 2-for-4 at the plate, showing he could hit for power and contact. Venezuela held the lead for the rest of the game and won its first tournament game against the Netherlands, 6-2.
Sanoja wasn't the only person in the Marlins organization who helped out on Friday. A number of Miami prospects also played in games on the first day of pool play.
Yiddi Cappe, who played infield for Cuba, went 1-for-2 with a walk and hit ninth in the lineup. In the third inning, he hit a 103.9 mph double that helped Yoan Moncada hit a two-run home run, which sent Cuba past Panama 3-1.
Ian Lewis Jr., who is from the Bahamas, had a great first game for Great Britain, getting two hits in four at-bats against Mexico.
The Marlins are already making a name for themselves on the international stage, and with stars like Sandy Alcantara set to make their tournament debuts in the next few days, Javier Sanoja made sure Miami fans had a lot to celebrate on the first day of the World Baseball Classic.
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