Kelvin Contreras throws complete game in Panama win over Czechia

Panama earned another win as they overcame Czechia, 4-1, in their second Placement Round game at the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup on Friday, 8 September. Pitcher Kelvin Contreras threw a complete game.

In the bottom of the first, Panama loaded the bases with a single, a fielding error and a walk, but Czech starter Ondrej Vank got out of the jam successfully.

Panama presented their whole lineup at bat and started a rally in the top of the second. They earned the first two runs on a throwing error and a ground out, and then Julio Casas hit a two-RBI single to left centre field, adding two more runs to the scoreboard. Panama ended the inning with a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Czechia caught up at 4-1 with Filip Kubicek’s sacrifice fly, driving in Martin Sobotka’s run.

Panama performed well on the defensive side as well, turning a well-executed double play in the top of the fifth.

Czechia also paid back with a double play in the bottom of the sixth to retire the batters and end the inning.

Panama starter Kelvin Contreras pitched a complete game, striking out four and allowing two hits and four walks.

Panama (4-0) have secured seventh place, no matter the score of the final game against Mexico. Czechia dropped to 2-2 and will finish the tournament playing against Venezuela.