Team Rubio” proved once again that nobody beats them easily at home. In a duel that was defined by grit and heart, Puerto Rico defeated Panama 4-3 in the World Classic in extra innings, thanks to a solo home run by Darell Hernaiz that unleashed the euphoria of the nearly 19,000 fans that packed the Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
A solo home run by Darell Hernaiz in the tenth inning led Puerto Rico to a dramatic 4-3 victory over Panama on Saturday, after Canada triumphed in its Group A opener of the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament with an 8-2 win over Colombia.
World Classic: Puerto Rico vs Panama
SECOND VICTORY FOR TEAM RUBIO
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Last night, the Puerto Rican ninth team scored its second victory against Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
In the tenth inning, Puerto Rico shortstop Darell Hernáiz hit a home run… pic.twitter.com/VhrzntOuFR
– Jugando Pelota Dura🇵🇷 (@JugandoPelotaPR) March 8, 2026
Puerto Rico, which with the win puts its record at 2-0 in the tournament, was losing the game 3-2 in that decisive inning until Heliot Ramos tied it 3-3 when he scored from third base after a double by Carlos Cortés.
After the touchdown, Hernaiz hit the golden home run against Severino González and dressed as a hero in front of 18,925 fans who witnessed the great hit at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
Puerto Rico was losing the game in the ninth inning 2-1 until Willi Castro received a base on balls with the bases loaded to tie the game 2-2.
In the tenth inning, when by rule teams place a runner on second base, Panama got Christian Bethancourt.
Luis Castillo opened the episode against Puerto Rican reliever José Espada with a sacrifice bunt that advanced Bethancourt to third base and brought him closer to scoring and breaking the tie.
This occurred with a tow-off single by José Caballero, getting closer to beating Puerto Rico and putting pressure on it.
A euphoric stadium
BABY MIKO! 🖤
Young Miko threw out the first pitch to Kiké Hernández ahead of Team Panama vs. Team Puerto Rico ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/JLgSo12eSK
– World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 7, 2026
However, the energy of the thousands of Puerto Ricans in the stadium chanting PUERTO RICO! PUERTO RICO! PUERTO RICO! PUERTO RICO! was the energy Team Rubio needed to get the big win.
Panama was on its way to beat Puerto Rico for the first time in the World Baseball Classic thanks to excellent pitching and defense, but it was not to be this time.
Panamanian starter Ariel Jurado played a superb five innings, allowing three hits and striking out four, backed by two important defensive plays by right fielder Luis Castillo.
In the fifth inning, after Puerto Rican starter Eduardo Rivera walked Jonathan Araúz, Team Rubio’s Yadier Molina relieved him for Jorge López.
Lopez, however, was greeted by a long fly ball to center field by Bethancourt that keeper Bryan Torres missed, causing Arauz to score from first for the 1-0 lead.
Castillo then fired a solo shot to right field, driving in Bethancourt for the 2-0 lead.
One inning later, Panamanian manager José Mayorga relieved Jurado, who had a gem of a performance in which he allowed three hits and struck out four, for Javy Guerra.
The Puerto Rican offense, however, woke up against Guerra as back-to-back hits by Bryan Torres and Willi Castro, followed by a ground ball to Heliot Ramos, filled the bases.
Nolan Arenado answered with a sacrifice fly to the center field, driving in Torres to bring the score to 2-1.
This prompted Mayorga to replace Guerra with Kenny Hernández.
Canada debuts on the right foot
🔥 Canadá🇨🇦 won in its presentation at the World Classic. Colombia in trouble after losing its second game. pic.twitter.com/bovuBXMNz8
– Miguel Lugo (@_MiguelLugo) March 7, 2026
Earlier in the day in San Juan, the Canadian team opened Group A play with a resounding 8-2 win over Colombia.
With this result, the Canadians are shaping up to be a tough opponent in the tournament, in a section where every victory is worth gold to advance to the quarterfinals.
Activity does not stop in San Juan:
Sunday 12:00 PM: Panama vs. Canada (A key duel for the Canal aspirations).
Sunday 07:00 PM: Colombia vs. Cuba (both looking for their first victory).
Filed under: Clásico Mundial Puerto Rico vs Panama
With information from EFE
