México vs. Panamá: Christian Bethancourt plays key role in comeback win

MIAMI, FL—Panamá was able to stay undefeated in the 2024 Caribbean Series thanks to a ninth-inning rally that included one of the newest members of the Miami Marlins in Christian Bethancourt. Panamá was down 3-1 to México entering the bottom of the ninth inning before scoring three runs for a walk-off win. Bethancourt contributed to the rally with a hard-hit double.

México vs. Panamá box score and play-by-play

The pitcher trying to pick up the save for México was Jake Sánchez. Trouble started when he faced Iván Herrera, who was hit by a pitch after working up a full count. Bethancourt followed Herrera by smacking the second pitch of his at-bat for a double (104.8 mph exit velocity).

Another former big leaguer, Johan Camargo, hit an RBI double to drive in Herrera and make it a one-run deficit. To tie the game, Jean Arnaez battled out of a two-strike count to drive in Bethancourt on an RBI single to left field. Finally, to walk it off, Jhonny Santos hit an RBI triple.

Through his first nine plate appearances of the tournament, Bethancourt is slashing .375/.444/.500/.944 with one walk and two strikeouts. He has been the starting catcher for Panamá in both of their games. Bethancourt should soon enough see time as the designated hitter, just to keep his bat in the lineup every day.

Panamá (2-0) is set to take on Nicaragua (0-2) on Sunday at 10:30 am. and should be favored, although Nicaragua has held a lead in both of their games against Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.