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Bases-loaded walk lifts Panama to win

A closer look at Aguadulce, Panama’s 3-2 victory over Sydney, Australia, on Monday at Volunteer Stadium.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Jose Torres’ bases-loaded walk on four pitches from William Edwards with two out in the bottom of the sixth inning pushed across the winning run.

PANAMA PLAYER OF THE GAME: Carlos Gonzalez went 2 for 3 and not only scored the game-winning run, he struck out three straight in relief to end the sixth inning tied.

AUSTRALIA PLAYER OF THE GAME: Clayton Campell not only gave his team a chance with two solid innings as a starting pitcher, allowing one run on 21 pitches to preserve him for today, he also went 2 for 2 and scored a run.

HOME RUNS: Joaquin Tejada homered into the arborvitae beyond the center field fence at 245 feet for a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Brent Iredale’s home run in the top of the sixth inning went 240 feet to the right-field fence, opposite field, to tie it at 2-2. It also chased Panama starter Esmith Pineda at 89 pitches.

FLASHING LEATHER: Australia’s Ryley Gonzalez at least delayed his team’s fate one more at-bat with his throw home to retire Leonardo Bernal in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and one out.

BIG INNING: It was the sixth inning all the way around, as Iredale’s home run off Panama starter Esmith Pineda’s last pitch preceded Carlos Gonzalez

WHAT THE KIDS SAY: Torres was asked about looking angry drawing the final walk. He said he didnt care whether it was a hit or a walk, he just wanted to reach base and win. “I just got caught up in the emotion,” he said through an interpreter. “I knew we’d won, but I didn’t quite realize I had to get to first base.”

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY: Australia manager Les Stockdale said Panama was the team to beat in the International half, which Panama manager Luis Gonzalez took in stride. “The object is to win it all,” Gonzalez said through an interpreter. “We came here to do that, and we have two great pitchers ready for the next game. We’re just looking for a win.”

WHAT IT MEANS: Panama will play Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium vs. South Korea in the winners’ bracket final. Australia dropped into an elimination game today at 5 p.m. vs. Curacao at Volunteer Stadium.

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