<p>PITTSBURGH — In the span of 96 hours in March, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a>’ Daniel Palencia made a compelling case on a global stage that he was one of the best closers in baseball, becoming a national hero in Venezuela by saving the last three games of the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>He saved a surprisingly close game against Team Italy in the quarterfinals. He retired Shohei Ohtani on a game-ending fly ball to close out Team Japan in the semifinals. And he struck out slugger Kyle Schwarber and hot Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony before hurling his glove skyward into a warm Miami night after Team Venezuela subdued Team USA 3-2 in the grand finale.</p><p>On that night, when some folks swore the songs and chants of delirious Venezuelan fans could be heard across the Caribbean to Caracas, Palencia already had visions of what lay ahead when he returned to the Cubs.</p><p>So did those who saw a 26-year-old reliever at the top of his game while most players were still in spring training, ramping up for the start of the regular season.</p><p>Palencia had 22 saves last season, his first in the closer role for the Cubs.