It’s the second game for Team Canada at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and the club will be led by their most experienced starter into what could be one of its biggest matchups of the tournament.

Canada won their opening contest against Team Colombia yesterday, winning 8-2, while Panama is coming off a heartbreaking comeback loss last night against Puerto Rico. The Panamanians blew the lead twice, once in the ninth inning and once in extras, before PR was able to walk off the night with a solo home run.

Manager Ernie Whitt is turning to Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, and Panama is turning to former Angels right-hander Jaime Barria.

Taillon is back in the Maple Leaf for the first time since 2013, when he pitched for Canada at the age of 21, the youngest member of the squad at the time. He was tasked with facing the USA, and the right-hander fared well at the time, going four innings with four hits and one earned run allowed while striking out three.

Since that tournament, Taillon has nine pro seasons under his belt and is coming off a 2025 campaign where he posted a 3.68 ERA across 129 2/3 innings with a 1.057 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9, and a 6.8 K/9.

Opposite Taillon for Panama will be Barria, who spent parts of six seasons floating between the big leagues and the minors from 2018 through 2023 with the Angels organization. Across 462 2/3 innings, the right-hander amassed a 4.38 ERA with a 5.08 FIP.

Barria split 2024 between Triple-A and in the KBO with the Hanwha Eagles, and spent last season pitching in the Mexican League, where he allowed 45 earned runs across 84 1/3 innings with 46 strikeouts and 22 walks.

Team Canada is riding the high of their win over Colombia on Saturday, led by Owen Caissie and his home run and two RBIs. Abraham Toro added two hits – including a double and a triple with two RBIs – while Josh Naylor (x2), Bo Naylor, Tyler O’Neill, and Caissie (again) all found the hit column. The Canucks were also patient at the plate, walking seven times in their win.

Panama is heading into this evening with a chip on their shoulder. They dropped their opening contest 3-1 to Cuba and were close to winning their first game last night in what would have been a major upset over the host nation. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t put the game on ice, and now Panama is in a do-or-die situation with a 0-2 record.

Neither Cuba nor Puerto Rico has lost so far, while Colombia is 0-3. Another loss for Panama will officially put them out of contention for advancing out of the Round Robin stage.

Location: Hirham Bithorn Stadium – San Juan, PR
First Pitch: 7:00 PM EST
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet & FS2 / MLB Audio

Team Canada – Jameson Taillon (RHP)
Team Panama – Jaime Barria (RHP)

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