Latin America attacked the Canadians early and often during their first-round matchup on Friday.
Canada's Ian Huang struggled against the powerful Panama batters. He surrendered six runs through 1.2 innings, as Adan Sanchez was the driving force for Panama's offense in their 8-3 win over the Canadians. Sanchez went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI's, including a three-run home run in the second inning.
Huang didn't see much action after Sanchez's massive home run. While he struck out four batters, Jordan Jaramillo replaced Huang. Canada's pitching allowed two runs in the following six innings, but their bats remained silent.
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Whalley is at the Little League World Series. Teammate Dio Gama originally couldn't attend because of immigration issues. But... he has been given a special residency permit by Canada's Immigration Minister, allowing him to travel. The team just found out: pic.twitter.com/O1PKseKvKI
— Adam Forsythe (@adamforsythe) August 16, 2018
Dio Gama, who arrived in Williamsport, Pa. earlier in the day due to an immigration issue, plated Canada's first run. Canada, however, wasn't able to create many opportunities at the plate. The team finished with five hits — three in the final inning. Panama's Brian Villareal recorded seven strikeouts in 3.2 innings and received the win.
Canada is now on the brink of elimination from the tournament as they face Spain on Saturday.
Sporting News provided updates throughout Canada's tournament opener against Latin America.
Bottom of the Sixth
Balkovech and Sheck record back-to-back singles for Canada. The Canadians suddenly have life and are threatning to score. After Pleasants struck out swinging on a wild pitch, Balkovech scored Canada's second run. Sheck scored on a passed ball later in the inning, as well. Panama survived the late scare to hold onto the win over Team Canada. Latin America wins 8-3.
Top of the Sixth
Dio Gama barehands the slow grounder to throw out Hector Gutierrez at first base. Oliver Gonzalez, who reached base on a single, advanced to third base. With two outs, Kai Sheck was unable to make the diving catch on Carlos Arcia's triple in the right-field gap. Arod McKenzie records an RBI single to extend Panama's lead. Latin America leads 8-1.
Bottom of the Fifth
Canada has tallied two hits all game, including Nate Colina's fifth-inning single. However, Canada strands Colina at first base in consecutive order. If Canada were to comeback, it would be in walk-off fashion at this point. Latin America leads 6-1.
Top of the Fifth
Three up, three down for Panama. Canada's pitching continues to get it done, but their bats desperately need a wake-up call. Latin America leads 6-1.
Bottom of the Fourth
Villareal's dominant run ends after reaching the pitch limit (85). No fear for Panama, as Villareal recorded two outs before his departure. Carlos Acia forces Jaren Ashbee to groundout for the third out. Canada's time to comeback is rapidly running out. Latin America leads 6-1.
Top of Fourth
Jaramillo strikes out the first batter he faces, but Canada's manager opted to pull the pitcher from the game in order to preserve him for his next start. Zaeden Pleasants comes on in relief for Jaramillo and immediately strikes out two of the next three batters. Latin America leads 6-1.
Bottom of Third
Canada entered the inning with a mere hit against Panama. After failing to reach base on its first two batters, Canada found a bit of luck. Huang and Ty Grewal, respectively, worked the count and reached base. They advanced after a wild pitch, where Cole Balkovich had a prime opportunity to severly cut the deficit. Panama, however, caught Balkovich on a check-swing to leave the runners stranded. Latin America leads 6-1.
Top of Third
Jaramillo comes out firing on the pitcher's mound. He strikes out the side as Canada keeps Panama off the scoreboard with an easy 1-2-3 inning. Latin America leads 6-1.
Bottom of Second
Canada is struggling against Villareal. He struck out Kai Sheck and Mattias Brisson to open up the inning. After hitting Jaramillo, Villareal gets Andre Juco to fly-out as Canada fails to plate a run during the inning. Latin America leads 6-1.
Top of Second
Adan Sanchez picks up where left off in the first inning. Sanchez smashed a three-run home run to extend Panama's lead and chase Huang from the mound. The high-powered Panama offense forced Canada to make a pitching change. Jordan Jaramillo came in relief and struck out the first batter he faced. Latin America leads 6-1.
Bottom of First
Canada started off in the right direction with a walk. The runner advanced after a groundout, which put Canada in scoring positon. Dio Gama singled to right field to drive in Canada's first run of the game. Huang reached base on a walk, as well, but Panama's Brian Villarreal struck out the following two batters to end the inning. Latin America leads 3-1.
Top of First
Panama's batters wasted little time against Canadian starter Ian Huang. Carlos Arcia singled before Adan Sanchez doubles down the first baseline. Arcia scored on Huang's wild pitch to give Latin America an early lead. Panama plated two more runs in the inning as a result of Huang overthrowing his first baseman. Canada escaped the inning with limited damage, while Huang struck out two batters in the opening inning. Latin America leads 3-0.
Pregame
7:05 p.m. — First pitch is now set for 7:10 p.m.
6:00 p.m. — Well, it looks like this game is going to be delayed. The initial first-pitch start time was set for 6 p.m..
5:00 p.m. — Northwest and Great Lakes are in the midst of a weather delay, which could further delay Canada's opener against Team Latin America
#LLWS game between Japan and Spain will be resumed once this small cell moves past. However, Panama and Canada might run into an issue with the larger line around 6:00
— Logan Giles I Megalopolis Weather (@giles_weather) August 17, 2018
3:30 p.m. — Panama's Arod McKenzie isn't your average 13-year-old little leaguer
Here’s something you don’t see everyday 👀. Arod McKenzie is a 6’1, 13 yr old from Panama, playing in the @littleleague World Series😦. Tune in tonight to watch Latin America face off against Canada on @ESPN at 6pm EST❗️ #LLWS pic.twitter.com/5dSd8XbSRk
— Baseball Factory (@BaseballFactory) August 17, 2018