Venezuela outfielder Wilyer Abreu. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Wilyer Abreu loses his helmet celebrating huge home run vs. U.S. in WBC final

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 10:05 PM ET

Wilyer Abreu had his moment during this week’s World Baseball Classic final.

The Boston Red Sox outfielder Abreu delivered a massive shot for Venezuela against the United States in Tuesday’s WBC final. In the fifth inning at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Abreu launched an 0-1 offering from U.S. pitcher Nolan McLean to dead-center for a solo home run.

Abreu’s blast gave Venezuela a 2-0 lead over the United States (following a sacrifice fly by Maikel Franco in the third inning to drive in Salvador Perez). After hitting the homer, Abreu got so hyped.

While he was rounding the bases, Abreu was so pumped up that his helmet came flying off his head and landed on the infield dirt. Here is the video.

WILYER ABREU GOES YARD! pic.twitter.com/wG0Jn0OZVn
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 18, 2026

Venezuela managed to come from behind to defeat Italy by a final score of 4-2 in Monday’s WBC semifinal game. Then in Tuesday’s WBC final, they were able to take an early lead against the heavily-favored United States team.

As for Abreu, a two-time MLB Gold Glover at 26 years old, he was recently in the news due to the brutal mistake that a rival announcer made with his name in spring training. But after that huge home run against the United States, it is safe to say that Abreu’s name will now be remembered much better.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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