The final game of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals will pit Venezuela against Japan. First pitch is set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday at the loanDepot Park in Miami on FOX.
After cruising through pool play undefeated, Japan is a solid favorite to defeat Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Japan has won three of the five WBC tournaments, including the most recent one in 2023.
Venezuela has only one semifinal appearance in WBC history, which was in 2009. Still, this team projects as a dangerous spoiler.
Check out my Venezuela vs. Japan WBC prediction for Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup:
Venezuela vs. Japan WBC Prediction: Saturday, March 14
- Venezuela moneyline (+140)
Per the initial baseball odds, I’m backing the underdog in my Venezuela vs. Japan WBC prediction on Saturday.
Anything can happen in a single-elimination tournament. While Japan has the championship pedigree, I don’t think this roster is as good as it has been in the past.
Japan’s only real test in pool play came against Korea, when it held on for an 8-6 win. But that matchup exposed Japan’s biggest weakness: defense.
In that game, Seiya Suzuki started in center, and Masataka Yoshida manned left field. Suzuki only played one game in center for the Chicago Cubs last year. Yoshida has a -11 run value in left, per Baseball Savant.
Basically, Japan can’t play an optimal defensive lineup in bigger games. And that matters since there are only big games left.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for Japan, and the lineup is still extremely powerful, so I still would make the defending champs the favorites.
But I think Venezuela is capable of pulling off an upset in this spot, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr., Eugenio Suárez, and Maikel Garcia leading the way.
Venezuela vs. Japan Odds for WBC Quarterfinals
- Venezuela moneyline: +145
- Japan moneyline: -175
- Total: 7.5
Baseball Betting Odds at BetMGM
BetMGM is the premier online sportsbook for baseball betting.
From offseason futures like MLB MVP odds to live sports betting during a New York Yankees-Cleveland Guardians game, there opportunities for everyone regardless of baseball knowledge and betting experience.
If you don’t have a sportsbook account, sign up for the BetMGM welcome offer, one of many sportsbook offers at BetMGM.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
