SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Panama capitalized on Canada’s defensive miscues and rallied in the sixth inning to defeat Canada, 4–3, Sunday night in a rain-delayed World Baseball Classic Pool A matchup.
The game, which lasted more than three hours and featured two rain delays at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, turned on a chaotic sixth inning in which Panama scored three runs—all unearned—to erase a one-run deficit and seize control of the contest.
Canada entered the matchup riding momentum from its opening-game victory over Colombia, but the combination of wet field conditions and defensive mistakes proved costly.
Canada struck first when Abraham Toro drove an RBI double into the gap to give Canada a 1–0 lead. Panama responded when Luis Castillo delivered a run-scoring hit to even the game at 1–1.
Luis Castillo got Panama on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning on a RBI single to center field to tie the game at one – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/Major League Baseball
The Canadians regained the lead in the fourth inning when Denzel Clarke came through with a two-out RBI single from the ninth spot in the lineup, scoring Bo Naylor and putting Canada ahead 2–1.
Both starting pitchers delivered strong performances early. Canada’s Jameson Taillon made his first World Baseball Classic appearance since 2013 and held Panama to just two hits and one run over 3.2 innings while striking out three. Panama averaged just 74.1 mph in exit velocity against him.
Panama’s starter Jaime Barria matched Taillon closely, allowing two runs on five hits across 3.2 innings. The turning point came in the sixth inning after James Paxton replaced reliever Antoine Jean on the mound.
Panama loaded the bases amid defensive struggles by Canada, including a dropped throw at first base by Josh Naylor.
Veteran infielder and former New York Met Rubén Tejada then delivered the biggest hit of the night, lining a pinch-hit single that scored two runs to give Panama a 3–2 lead.
“We came here ready to fight trying to win and push hard,” the 36-year-old said after the game. “It’s great to play in front of these fans—all the support they give is great for us.”
Panama continued the rally with additional run-scoring hits from Castillo, Miguel Amaya, and Tejada as the inning unfolded, stretching the lead to 4–2.
Canada attempted a comeback in the eighth inning when Owen Caissie doubled to bring home Bo Naylor, Josh’s younger brother and cut the deficit to 4–3, but Panama’s bullpen held firm.
Miguel Cienfuegos earned the victory after delivering 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, while Dario Agrazal closed the game with a strikeout to secure the save.
For Canada, the loss was a frustrating one after the defensive breakdown proved decisive.
“I’ll take the blame for that loss,” Josh Naylor said. “Should have caught that baseball.”
Despite the setback, Naylor said the team remains confident it can rebound.
Panama’s victory was particularly meaningful after the team dropped its previous game to Puerto Rico.
Tejada, playing in his third career World Baseball Classic, said the moment carried special significance.
“It’s great to be back playing with these guys. It feels like the first one, so I’m really happy for this. Thank God for this moment.” -Panama’s Rubén Tejada
With the win, Panama secured its first victory of this WBC edition and will face Colombia next in Pool A play on Monday.
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Julio Pabon
March 9, 2026 at 8:45 am
Excellent article, great reporting the details of the game.