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Stefan Tonev
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Panama upset Taiwan 12-5 for first win at World Baseball Classic
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Legendary closer Mariano Rivera threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

World No. 12 Panama defeated Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) 12-5 in the World Baseball Classic’s Group A match held at Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung.

More than 15,000 fans enjoyed an emotional moment as legendary closer Mariano Rivera threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

 

Switch-hitting second baseman Jonathan Arauz had three RBIs. Designated hitter Erasmo Caballero, Panama’s National League MVP, a WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup alum, and first baseman Jadhiel Santamaria had two.

Five Panama hitters had a multi-hit game, including Arauz, Santamaria, MLB veterans Christian Bethancourt and Ruben Tejada, and right fielder Luis Castillo.

Taiwan, undergoing a generational change in the national team, combined 13 hits, including a two-run home run by Nien-Ting Wu off reliever Wilfredo Pereira in the bottom of the seventh, the first of the tournament.

The hosts failed to produce runs, leaving ten runners on base, including seven in scoring position. Panama’s defense proved a factor.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Netherlands defeated Cuba, featuring MLB players for the first time, 4-2.

On day 2, the Netherlands will face Panama, while Cuba will play No. 15 Italy.

Chinese Taipei will have a rest day on Thursday, 9 March, while Panama will play No. 7 Netherlands.