Panama crowned Central American Softball Champions in extra innings

Post date: Jul 10, 2017 3:55:23 AM

PANAMA CITY, Panama — Panama claimed the 2017 Women’s Softball Central American Championship title, defeating El Salvador 4-3 in the final game after nine innings. Belkis Zamora was the hero for the host team, with a 2-RBI hit in the top of the ninth to win the title.

Panama had to battle through three games to claim the trophy. After being second in the round robin, the host team opened the playoffs against the unbeaten El Salvador, but the Salvadorian team won by 5-4. The winner was Karla Sermeño, while the loss went to Olaisa Perez.

Panama then faced Nicaragua in the second semi-final (Nicaragua defeated Guatemala by 5-4 in eight innings), with the second spot in the final at stake. And the host team claimed the victory 4-2, with Yulisa Mendieta as the winning pitcher, and the loss going to Kimberly Mayorga.

In the end, the best two teams in the tournament faced again in the final — an exciting game which required two extra innings.

After eight innings the score was tied at 2-2, but Zamora scored a pair off a single to secure the title for Panama. This time, Perez was the winner and Sermeño de loser.

Panama will arrive to the IX Pan American Women’s Softball Championship boosted by this result as the Central American champions.

FINAL STANDINGS