Panama clinches top spot in group at Intermediate Little League Latin American Championship

Panama continued its strong performance at the Intermediate Little League Latin American Championship 2026, securing first place in Group A with an 8-4 victory over Argentina. This win marks Panama's fourth consecutive triumph in the tournament, showcasing their dominance.

The Panamanian team established an early lead, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning, which set the tone for their continued success. Sebastián Mojica was credited with the win on the mound, pitching three and two-thirds innings. He allowed only one hit and one run while striking out nine batters, effectively stifling the Argentine offense.

Offensively, Panama saw strong contributions from multiple players. Andrés Valderrama led the charge, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and one RBI. Junior Saldaña also contributed significantly, with a 3-2 performance that included one run scored and two RBIs. Manuel Maclao added to the offensive output with a 3-1 showing, scoring two runs.

For Argentina, Anthony Rojas and Diego Tinero each managed a hit in three at-bats, while Adrián Figueredo went 1-for-4. Despite their efforts, they could not overcome Panama's consistent scoring and strong pitching.

Panama's previous victories in the tournament include a 7-0 shutout against Mexico, a decisive 16-1 win over Colombia, and an 8-1 victory against Ecuador. With their undefeated record in group play, Panama advances as the top seed from Group A, positioning them well for the subsequent stages of the championship.