A capsule look at Venezuela’s win against Panama at Volunteer

A closer look at Venezuela's 4-3 victory over Panama, a battle until the last inning

PLAY OF THE GAME -- Following a rough conclusion to Venezuela reliever Luis Rangel's day, closing pitcher Osman Basabe stepped onto the mound facing a bases loaded scenario.

After a wild pitch allowed Panama to score one run and Basabe walked Panama left fielder Nessin Santos to reload the bases, he'd find himself at a full count with the team's lead on the line. In game-saving fashion, he caught Edilberto Venado swinging to pull off the strikeout, saving his team's lead.

VENEZUELA PLAYER OF THE GAME -- Centerfielder Leonard Contreras: Contreras played a huge role in his team's victory, particularly during one at-bat in the third inning. With the game tied at 2-2, he hit a single to right field, which resulted in two runners getting in to give Venezuela its first lead of the game. He finished with a hit and two RBIs on two at-bats.

PANAMA PLAYER OF THE GAME -- Closing pitcher Allan Rodriguez: The pitcher played a large role in keeping Panama in the game down the stretch, allowing zero hits and walks in the last 2.1 innings of the game. He contributed two strikeouts and threw strikes on 18 of his 26 pitches.

BIG INNING -- With Panama garnering all the momentum in the first, it was important for Venezuela to respond quickly to avoid falling behind early. It managed to immediately do just that, putting up back-to-back runs off an RBI single from Endrick Avila and a fielding error at second, which allowed catcher Adrian Soto to get home.

This turned the tide of the game and ultimately provided Venezuela with just enough room to escape with the victory.

BEST EFFORT -- With Panama needing something big to close the gap, catcher Ian Corrales managed to steal second off a Venezuela error to put himself in scoring position with one out on the board.

Unfortunately for Panama, third baseman Iker Sanchez lined it right at first base, which Venezuela made the most of. First baseman Aaron Villalobos tagged first before getting Corrales out at second to close the half, keeping their entire two-run lead.

FLASHING LEATHER -- Following a two-run output for its opponent to start the game, Venezuela wouldn't allow Panama to score again until the fifth. It did so with strong, consistent outfield play and decent pitching. Every run ended up counting, so that three-run stint proved vital.

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY --"These kids are winners, and they know how to turn the page," said Panama manager Oliver Arcia through a translator, referring to where its morale was after the game. "They play with their hearts, and they'll be ready next game."

Venezuela manager on decision to sub in Basabe in the fifth: "Osman has been the man all season in those situations. I trust him and he's the hardest throwing pitcher. He started off shaky but turned it around and got the job done."

WHAT THE KIDS SAY -- "We watch all the games and look up to the players, we collect baseball cards and every other kind of memorabilia," said Venezuela catcher Adrian Soto on the MLB. "We're looking to forward to them."

WHAT IT MEANS -- Venezuela continues its run in the winner's bracket, facing off against Curacao on Monday at 1 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium. Panama drops to the loser's bracket, where it'll match up against the winner of Saturday's matchup between Cuba and Australia on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Volunteer Stadium.