Canada Stumbles in World Baseball Classic After Loss to Panama
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Through the first three days of play in Pool A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Hiram Bithorn Stadium has been a stage for uncharacteristic baseball errors. Canada experienced this firsthand, following an 8-2 win over Colombia with a 4-3 loss to Panama, complicating their path forward in the tournament.
Canada’s Path Complicated by Sixth-Inning Collapse
Canada’s manager, Ernie Whitt, emphasized the importance of clean play, stating that giving extra outs creates scoring opportunities for opponents and increases the pitch count for his pitchers.1 However, a disastrous sixth inning against Panama undermined this strategy.
Entering the sixth inning with a 2-1 lead, Canada handed the ball to veteran left-hander James Paxton, who hadn’t pitched in a major league game since August 11, 2024, due to injury.1 Paxton walked the leadoff batter, and a series of defensive miscues followed. A potential double play was botched when Josh Naylor dropped a relay throw, and a grounder was misplayed, loading the bases. A subsequent infield single and a questionable relay cutoff allowed Panama to take a 4-2 lead without hitting a ball out of the infield.
Despite Paxton’s good stuff and a fastball reaching 95 mph, the inning spiraled out of control. Miguel Cienfuegos, a left-handed pitcher, then limited Canada to just seven pitches in the bottom half of the sixth, shifting the momentum further.
Late-Game Efforts Fall Short
Canada attempted to rally in the eighth inning. Owen Caissie’s defensive play helped turn the tide, and he later hit a double to bring the score to 4-2. However, a strikeout ended the rally.
Jameson Taillon had a strong start, delivering 3.2 innings of one-run ball. He retired seven consecutive Panama hitters before allowing a single in the fourth. He was relieved after reaching the first-round pitch limit of 65 pitches, with Antoine Jean taking over and surrendering consecutive singles that tied the game.
Tournament Standings and Remaining Schedule
The loss dropped Canada to 1-1 in Pool A, trailing Cuba and Puerto Rico, both of whom are 2-0. Canada is off on Tuesday, when they are scheduled to start Jordan Balazovic against Puerto Rico.1 Panama (1-2) will face Colombia (0-3) on Monday, with the winner avoiding requalification for the next World Baseball Classic.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool A is taking place from March 6 to 11, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.3 The top two teams from the pool will advance to the knockout stage.