USA beat Panama, take step towards Super Round

World No. 2 United States beat No. 11 Panama, 6-4, to get one step closer to the Super Round of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. The defending World Champions took a comfortable lead into the sixth. Panama got to their bullpen, but hard-throwing right-hander Trey Gregory-Alford stopped their comeback attempt.

USA got an early lead. Coy James led off with an infield single, and Panama starter Anthony Gantes walked centre fielder Derek Curiel. With runners at the corners and two outs, James scored on a double steal.

The second run was scored in the top of the second thanks to a throwing error.

The US loaded the bases in the top of the third on singles by James, first baseman Perry Morlando, and a walk. They scored two on a grounder by right fielder Konnor Griffin and an error. Noah Franco made it 5-0 with an RBI single.

Panama handed the ball to Kelvin Contreras. Franco stole second and scored on Manuelle Marin's RBI double.

Matthew Champion cruised through the first four innings, allowing only a hit.

Panama got to him in the bottom of the fifth. The left-hander hit two batters. He allowed back-to-back RBI singles to left fielder Yeremi Sanchez and first baseman Rodrick Lezcano.

The US moved Konnor Griffin from the outfield to the mound, and Panama made it a two-run game in the bottom of the sixth. The reliever allowed a leadoff walk, and Dimas Oda got to him with a base hit. The runners advanced on a wild pitch. Hector Rayo hit a two-out and two-RBI double, forcing another bullpen move.

The US handed the ball to hard-throwing right-hander Trey Gregory-Alford, who struck out second baseman Joey Wood to end the inning.

Gregory-Alford led off the bottom of the seventh with a walk and advanced the runner on a wild pitch. He then retired the side in order with some help from his middle infielders.

USA (3-1) will close the Opening Round against No. 6 Venezuela, while Panama (1-3) will play No. 21 Spain.