The United States wins the gold in the U18 World Cup qualifier in Panama

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The U18 World Cup qualifier crowned the United States as champion, in a close final against Panama that ended with a score of 4 to 2.

The final was decided in the sixth inning when the United States scored the two runs that made the difference, Brayden Jaksa went 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI to be named the Most Valuable Player of the final, while Dylan Wood won the game by pitching 1.1 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

Puerto Rico took home the bronze medal by beating Cuba 3 to 2 in another close game that they dominated until the sixth, before their rivals got close on the scoreboard.

The Cuban pitchers did not allow an earned run, despite losing the game, while for Puerto Rico Kaniel Rosado held Cuba to one hit in four innings, with five walks and five strikeouts to secure the victory, while Yandiel Reyes pitched an inning for the save, allowing three hits and a run.

The all-star team of the tournament was made up of Francisco Pérez of Mexico as the catcher, Leo Cote of Canada at first, Grady Emerson of the United States at second, Víctor Jiménez of Panama at third and the outfielders Kenly Hunter of Nicaragua, Luis Rivera of Panama and Slater De Brun from the United States, while Raider Ascanio was the designated hitter. The most valuable player and all-star shortstop was Kayson Cunningham of the United States.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)