USA tops Panama to become new U-15 Baseball Champions of the World

DAVID, Panama – USA can now add the WBSC U-15 Baseball Cup to a growing list of accomplishments on the global baseball stage.

Reigning World Champions at the U-12, U-18 and Senior National Team levels, USA claimed their first world title in the history of the U-15 Baseball World Cup, with a 7-1 win over host Panama in front of over 8,000 fans at Estadio Kenny Serracín.

The Final Out #U15WorldCup @usabaseball pic.twitter.com/cRKVwXv3dT

— WBSC #U15WorldCup ⚾ (@WBSC) August 20, 2018

Panama – with a population of approximately 4 million – finished second in the world to claim the silver medal, which is the nation’s best result ever at the U-15 Baseball World Cup.

Congratulations Panama !!!!!!!! 4.0 million population and 2nd best in the baseball world #U15WorldCup @FedebeisOficial pic.twitter.com/Td0KVNxdZO

— WBSC #U15WorldCup ⚾ (@WBSC) August 20, 2018

USA 7, Panama 1

Three first inning errors proved costly for Panama who found themselves down 6-0 after one inning of play. A pair of walks issued by Panama starting pitcher Joaquin Tejada Ortega followed by a Brady House RBI single and three ensuing errors gave USA a quick 4-0 lead before the first out was recorded.

USA starting pitcher Andrew Painter was solid over 5.1 innings of work allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters to earn the win. Luke Leto entered the game with one out and two runners on in the sixth and was able to secure the victory.

After the opening the tournament with two wins, USA suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei before going on a run of six consecutive victories to claim the world title.