Panama doesn’t get nervous in close contests

Panama's players simply had to watch as Cuba's Luis Apricio got hold of a pitch and drilled a two-run home run over the fence at Volunteer Stadium on Sunday in an elimination game.

The home run proved to be a big shot for Cuba as it cut the deficit to just 3-2 and gave Cuba a bit of a spark and momentum in an elimination game at the World Series.

But there was never a sense of panic from Panama's players or coaches. They've been in similar types of situations. So after the home run and Cuba's players and fans got excited, Panama manager Oliver Arcia simply told his players to play their game.

"They were definitely prepared for situations like that. Home runs are a part of the game. That inning we chatted with our players on the mound and told them just to move on and get another out," Arcia said through a translator.

And that's precisely what Panama's team did. Panama didn't let Cuba shift the momentum in that moment and rally. Rather, Allan Rodriguez forced the final outs and got out of the jam and sent Panama further into the elimination bracket instead of an early exit home.

Panama will face the loser of Japan and Chinese Taipei in another elimination game this afternoon at Volunteer Stadium.

The Little Leaguers from Veraguas didn't have to fight through an elimination bracket at regionals -- they went 6-1 -- but that doesn't mean this team isn't prepared for winner-take-all games.

Having close contests are experience in themselves. At the Panama Regional, Veraguas edged out Chiriqui Occidente in their first game, 8-7, before beating Chiriqui 6-1 in their second game. Then game another close contest against Chiriqui in the Zone 1 Championship, 8-6.

In the regional, however, Panama dropped the first game of a best-of-three series to Cocle, 7-2, and had to win consecutive games to get to South Williamsport.

Panama didn't panic in those regionals much like it didn't panic on Sunday. Veraguas beat Cocle, 5-3, in Game 2 and a thriller 2-1 in Game 3.

Those close games were beneficial, and Sunday was a prime example of it. Panama bounced back with its exciting win Sunday after a tough 4-3 loss to Venezuela on Friday afternoon.

Panama's starting pitcher Omar Vargas threw 4 2/3 innings on Sunday, striking out 10, on 65 pitches, before Rodriguez closed things out.

So far, Panama is 2-1 at the Little League World Series with victories over Czech Republic and Cuba. The Little Leaguers from Veraguas are representing the league for just the second time in history in South Williamsport. The last time Veraguas came was in 2001 when the tournament exanded to 16 teams. That team in 2001 went 1-2.

Knowing that Veraguas has won two games this year is something manager Arcia is beyond proud about.

"I'm happy and thankful for what's happening. Hopefully the kids are having fun and enjoying the moment. I feel proud for all of this," Arcia said through a translator.

Panama lost in the Round of 2 in both 2019 and 2018. Aguadulce, Panama finished as the third-best team in 2016, however, as the Caribbean Regional champions. It is to date the best finish at the World Series for a team from Panama in the tournament's history.

Panama, Cuba and Puerto Rico are part of a three-team rotation at the Little League World Series since the field expanded to 10 United States and 10 International teams. This is the second year of direct entry for Panama. Next year, Panama will compete thorugh the Latin America Region before once again having direct entries in 2025 and 2026.