07/09/2023 1 Minute Read

Panama spark win against Australia in extra innings

Panama and Australia played the first extra-inning game in the tournament. The Aussies scored the tying run in the bottom of the seventh, and Panama won in the top of the eighth.

Panama completed a 2-1 win against Australia on Thursday, staying on top of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Placement Round.

Panama took the 1-0 lead in the top of the second with Jose Bernall’s sacrifice fly to left field, driving in Edwin Walden’s run.

In the top of the fifth, Panama loaded the bases with Yeremi Sanchez’s single to left centre, but Australian starter Alistair Tanner got out of the bases-loaded jam.

Australia performed well on the defensive side, with shortstop Lachlan Smith turning a smooth double play to retire Panama batters in the top of the seventh.

Carrying the momentum into the bottom of the seventh, Nicholas Paparella’s single to third base sent Smith back home, tying at one and forcing the game into extra innings.

Panama retook the lead in the top of the eighth. Roderick Lezcano scored on Dimas Oda's ground out.

Jack Ratcliffe failed to advance the runner in the bottom of the eighth, bunting into a force out. Reliever Moises Castillo retired Callum Donnelly on a fly to centre and Jack Bushell on a grounder.

XXXI WBSC U-18 BWC Day 8-Placement Round PAN v AUS

Panama improved their record to 3-0 in the Placement Round and will face Czechia on Friday, 8 September at 15 local time, while Australia (1-2) will meet Venezuela at 18.