The United States will face Panama in the final of the U18 World Cup qualifier

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The U18 World Cup qualifier has reached its final stages, the United States will face Panama for the trophy in a rematch of the Opening Round.

The first semifinal was decided in the morning and in a close duel in the Rod Carew stadium, the United States managed to defeat Puerto Rico 6 to 3 to earn their ticket to the final.

The United States was led by Grady Emerson who went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs to catapult the team's offense. Josh Owens pitched a great relief of five scoreless innings, allowing five hits, no runs, four walks and five strikeouts.

In the second semifinal, Panama needed extra innings to beat Cuba 3 to 1 and earn a place in the final, in front of their audience at the Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City.

Franklin Hernández made the difference, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. While Anthony Ortega took the win in a masterful relief of 6.1 blank innings, barely allowing one hit, with three strikeouts.

In other matches, Costa Rica beat Guatemala 5 to 2 to say goodbye with victory supported by the complete work of Luis Rodríguez who won by throwing seven innings with five hits, two earned runs allowed, three walks and two strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic also said goodbye with victory by beating Brazil 10 to 1. Víctor Familia stood out offensively by going 1-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs. While Carlos Bello also drove in two runs by batting 1-for-2 with a run scored.

The bronze medal will be played between Puerto Rico and Cuba at 9:30am, while the gold will be played between the United States and Panama at 1pm. Both games at Rod Carew Stadium.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)