Canada had no hits through regulation of its elimination game against Panama at the Little League World Series on Monday.
It didn't matter.
The Canadians finally found their first hit in the seventh inning as part of a three-run rally en route to a 3-2 victory in Williamsport, Pa.
Canada, represented by Vancouver's Little Mountain, will next face South Korea on Tuesday in a rematch of the tournament opener won 7-0 by the Koreans.
The Canadians played small ball to eke past Panama. After leadoff hitter Lucas Izen in the seventh struck out on three fouled bunt attempts, a wild pitch allowed the automatic runner on second, Jacob Massel, to advance 60 feet to third.
Following a walk to put runners on the corners, another bunt attempt by Connor Matsuda — this time in play — was fielded cleanly by Panama pitcher Dominick M. Saavedra Arauz, who made a perfect throw home only for catcher Edwards Díaz to bobble the ball, allowing Canada to take the lead.
The Canadians added two more runs in the inning on a Connor Ross check-swing single to centre field and a fielder's choice.
Panama made it close in the bottom half, but Canada managed to escape with the one-run victory.
Canada (2-1) will now play another elimination game Tuesday against South Korea.
The Canadians lost 7-0 to South Korea in the tourney opener last week.
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