Canada moves on at Little League World Series with 3-2 win over Panama

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – Jacob Massel contributed on the mound and on the basepaths, Connor Ross hit an RBI single as part of a three-run seventh inning, and Canada staved off elimination at the Little League World Series with a 3-2 win over Panama on Monday.

Canada started the extra frame with Massel on second base. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored the game’s first run on a throwing error when Connor Matsuda bunted into a fielder’s choice, and Panama’s catcher bobbled the ball as Massel slid home.

Ross hit a line drive to centre field on a full count that scored Jean Ramos, who had walked earlier in the inning. Matsuda advanced to third and was cashed in when Jason Mezzarobba grounded into a fielder’s choice.

Panama got two runs back in the bottom of the seventh, as Jeickot Sánchez hit a run-scoring double and later scored on a wild pitch. But Canada, represented by Vancouver’s Little Mountain Baseball, hung on.

In addition to scoring Canada’s first run, Massel dominated on the mound. He struck out seven over five scoreless innings. Cruz Krpan picked up the win in relief.

Canada (2-1) will next face South Korea on Tuesday at the double-elimination tournament.

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The Canadians lost 7-0 to the Koreans in the opener last week before beating Australia 4-0 on Saturday. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2026.