Canada complicates WBC path with error-filled loss to Panama

Rubén Tejada drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single in the sixth inning, sending Panama to a 4-3 win over Canada for its first victory in Pool A.

Enrique Bradfield Jr. had three hits for Panama, including an RBI single. Luis Castillo also had a run-scoring single, and Miguel Cienfuegos pitched 2 1/3 hitless innings in relief for the rain-delayed win.

Panama opened WBC play with tough losses against Cuba on Friday and Puerto Rico on Saturday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. Panama faces winless Colombia in its last group game Monday.

Abraham Toro hit an RBI double for Canada, which dropped to 1-1. Jameson Taillon pitched 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball.

Helped by errors from first baseman Josh Naylor and losing pitcher James Paxton, Panama scored three unearned runs in the sixth.

With two down and the bases loaded, Tejada hit a soft liner up the middle. Canada shortstop Otto Lopez got to the ball behind the bag, but was unable to make a play. Jose Ramos and Christian Bethancourt scored to give Panama a 3-2 lead.

The speedy Bradfield followed with a bunt single to second, driving in Miguel Amaya.

Canada got one back on Owen Caissie's RBI double in the eighth, but Humberto Mejía fanned pinch-hitter Tyler Black for the final out of the inning.

Following a rain delay, Dario Agrazal struck out two in a scoreless ninth for the save.