WBC 2026: Hernaiz Walk-Off Homer Completes Wild Puerto Rico Comeback Over Panama

Puerto Rico won its second game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in 10 innings when Darell Hernaiz (Athletics) hit a walk-off home run—the second walk-off homer in WBC history in one day, after Ozzie Albies' for the Netherlands earlier in Miami—to beat Panama 4-3 in Pool A on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. Hernaiz, the 24-year-old A's shortstop who replaced Francisco Lindor on the roster, said he "blacked out" and didn't remember anything except hitting the ball into the field. Manager Yadier Molina said: "We're so happy with these guys. We did the hard work. It wasn't easy. Panama played way too good."

Panama had led 2-0 in the fifth on RBI doubles by Christian Bethancourt and Luis Castillo; Ariel Jurado shut down Puerto Rico for five innings and Eduardo Rivera was strong with one run on one hit over 4 1/3. Puerto Rico loaded the bases with nobody out in the sixth but got only one run on a Nolan Arenado sacrifice fly. Trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Eddie Rosario walked, Martín Maldonado singled, and Willi Castro drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the tying run. José Caballero put Panama back ahead with an RBI single in the 10th, but Puerto Rico answered with a game-tying forceout before Hernaiz capped the 4-3 win with a no-doubter to left off Severino González. Puerto Rico improved to 2-0; Panama fell to 0-2 and will be eliminated with one more loss. The top two teams from Pool A advance to the quarterfinals in Houston (March 13–14).

How the game unfolded

For much of the game it didn't look like Puerto Rico would get enough runs. Panama's Bethancourt and Castillo gave them a 2-0 lead in the fifth; Jurado and Rivera kept Team Rubio in check. Puerto Rico threatened in the sixth (bases loaded, one run) and seventh (runners on the corners, two outs, Matthew Lugo struck out against Kenny Hernandez).

The ninth brought the 18,925 fans to life. Rosario walked, Maldonado singled, and with two outs Lugo walked to load the bases for Castro, who walked to force in the tying run. In the 10th, Caballero's RBI single put Panama back in front; Puerto Rico tied it on a forceout, then Hernaiz—with just three career MLB homers—connected off González. Molina said of Hernaiz: "We spend a lot of time studying our guys. He's one of those guys that cares about the team, and he's here for a reason." Puerto Rico faces Cuba and others; Panama must rally to stay alive.

Pool A context and what's next

Pool A at Hiram Bithorn in San Juan is one of the most balanced groups in the 2026 WBC. Puerto Rico (host), Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia are all capable of advancing. Puerto Rico's 2-0 start—and historic walk-off—puts them in strong position. Pool play runs through March 11; every game will shape who reaches Houston.

Names to watch for AthX

Darell Hernaiz (Athletics), Eddie Rosario (Braves), Martín Maldonado, Willi Castro (Twins), Nolan Arenado, and Carlos Cortes are key names for Puerto Rico. Panama features Christian Bethancourt, Luis Castillo, José Caballero, and Ariel Jurado. WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but a strong tournament can boost narrative and demand before Opening Day.

What It Means for AthX

WBC stats don't count in dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB playing time and results. Still, WBC results can shape narrative and demand for players on both rosters. Use the WBC as a lead-in to see who's in form, then browse the marketplace to see how MLB players are valued on AthX.

*Sources: MLB.com – Classic's 2nd walk-off HR of the day completes wild Puerto Rico comeback; official WBC Pool A results. Fact-checked March 7, 2026.*