Panama beats Argentina and secures their spot in the Pan American Games

(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS BASEBALL).- Panama was finally the team that won the spot to the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, beating host Argentina in the final.

The Central American team beat the undefeated South American team in the Opening Round and then repeated the feat in the final by beating Argentina 9-3, keeping the championship and a spot to the Pan American Games in Santiago.

Panama took a two-run lead in the third inning, but Argentina responded with two runs in the top of the fourth. Panama then scored seven in two innings to take a 9-2 lead that would end up being unsurmountable.

Offensively for Panama, José Mordock stood out, batting 2-for-2 with four RBIs, while Enoc Watts batted 1-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Johnny Yussef scored two runs, batting 2-for-4.

Manuel Campos excelled on the mound by pitching the entire game, giving up three hits, three runs, walking one and striking out five to secure the win.

Panama started the tournament with a loss against Canada, but then beat Peru and Honduras by shutout and took Argentina's unbeaten record in the Opening Round to reach the final.

Argentina began with a victory against Peru, then beat Canada and Honduras, before losing to Panama, which led to the final between them, which would ultimately win the Central American squad.

Panama is the only team classified in this tournament for the Pan American Games to be held this year in Santiago, Chile.

(Media Department; WBSC-AMERICAS BASEBALL)