Wilyer Abreu's HR carries Venezuela into WBC semis over Japan

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Wilyer Abreu hit the go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning Saturday night for Venezuela, which eliminated defending champion Japan with an 8-5 win in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals in Miami.

Venezuela, the runner-up in Pool D with a 3-1 record, will face Italy in Monday night's semifinal. Italy outlasted Puerto Rico 8-6 in Houston earlier Saturday.