The team representing Aguadulce Cabezera Little League in Panama needed every single at-bat they got in order to defeat the team representing Hills Little League in Australia on Monday afternoon at the 2016 Little League World Series

Panama strikes first

Neither team scored in the first inning, although Australia did have two runners on with two outs, but a groundout ended the scoring chance. Panama finally broke the deadlock in the bottom of the second inning when Joaquin Tejada hit a solo home run to center field to put them up 1-0.

They added a second run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Leonardo Bernal led off the inning after being hit by a pitch. He advanced to third when Carlos Gonzales doubled, and eventually scored following a ground out from E Pineda

to put Panama up 2-0.

Australia rallies in the sixth to tie the game

Australia stepped up to the plate in the top of the sixth inning still down 2-0 but had hope as Clayton Campbell led off with a single to the second baseman. He scored when the next batter, Brent Iredale, hit a home run to right field to tie the game and ensure that the bottom of the sixth inning would be played.

Australia celebrates after tying the game in the sixth inning. (Little League International)
Australia celebrates after tying the game in the sixth inning. (Little League International)

Panama walks-off with the bases loaded and two outs

Panama stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the frame needing just one run to win the game. Bernal led off with a single to right field, which was followed by a sharp single up the middle by Gonzalez that actually hit the pitcher, who stayed in the game. The next batter was Pineda, who hit a sharp lineout to the right fielder for the first out of the inning.

Tejada followed with a single to deep right field to load the bases for Edwar Bethancourth, who hit a ground ball to the second baseman, who made a nice throw home to get the lead runner and bring up J Torres with two outs. Torres ended up drawing a four-pitch walk to score the game-winning run.

William Edwards was hit with the loss for Australia, although he pitched phenomenally, as he went 3.2 innings, giving up just five hits and one walk while striking out four batters. Gonzales got the win for Panama, as he came in during the sixth inning and struck out the side to keep the game tied. 

With the win, Panama advances to play in the International Bracket semifinal on Wednesday night against an opponent still to be determined. Despite the loss, Australia is not eliminated, as they will play on Tuesday in an elimination game against Curacao. The International Championship game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, with the overall championship, pitting the International champion against the US champion, is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

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About the author
Stevie Larson
NASCAR Editor, Minnesota sports fan. Contact: [email protected]