Canada moves on at Little League World Series with 3-2 win over Panama

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT — Jacob Massel contributed on the mound and on the basepaths, Connor Ross hit an RBI single as part of a three-run seventh inning, and Canada staved off elimination at the Little League World Series with a 3-2 win over Panama on Monday.

Canada started the extra frame with Massel on second base. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored the game’s first run on a throwing error when Connor Matsuda bunted into a fielder’s choice, and Panama’s catcher bobbled the ball as Massel slid home.

Ross hit a line drive to centre field on a full count that scored Jean Ramos, who had walked earlier in the inning. Matsuda advanced to third and was cashed in when Jason Mezzarobba grounded into a fielder’s choice.

Panama got two runs back in the bottom of the seventh, as Jeickot Sánchez hit a run-scoring double and later scored on a wild pitch. But Canada, represented by Vancouver’s Little Mountain Baseball, hung on.