EASLEY — With the potential tying run on third base, Puerto Rico forced a ground out to take a 4-3 win over Panama in a key game in the Big League World Series.

Puerto Rico, 2-0, is now in the driver’s seat to take first place in the International Pool as the only unbeaten team in the pool. Panama has a 2-1 record, while the Netherlands is 1-1. Guam is 0-1 and Canada is 0-2.

A win over Canada tomorrow will assure Puerto Rico of at least a tie for first place in the International Pool final standings. However, Puerto Rico would still need to assure its place as the top seed by defeating the Netherlands Sunday night. If the Netherlands wins its two remaining games (including the game against Puerto Rico), and Panama wins its two remaining games, there would be a three-way tie for first place, with only two spots in the semi-finals available. Tiebreakers are, at best, “iffy.”

Sixto Suarez, who gave up one hit while pitching one and two-thirds innings for Puerto Rico, picked up the win. Starting pitcher Jonathan Marte pitched four and a third innings, giving up two runs. Mario Aliva, who came in to pitched the seventh inning, gave up one run as he picked up the save.

Ilius Ortiz, who gave up just five hits and three runs in six innings, picked up the loss for Panama. Luis Ortega pitched the seventh inning, giving up one run.

Puerto Rico first scored in the top of the first inning. Luiz Benitez hit a double, then scored on a single by Michael Perez.

In the top of the fourth Wigberto Nevares hit a home run to give Puerto Rico a 2-0 lead.

Panama answered in the bottom of the inning. Leonardo Burgos singled, then stole second base. He came home on a single by Fabio Marciaga.

Panama tied the score in the bottom of the fifth. Eduardo Thomas singled, then moved to second on a bunt by Elio Betia. Thomas reached third on a single by Manuel Salazar, then scored on a fielder’s choice play hit by Abdiel Solano.

Neither team scored in the sixth inning, setting up a climatic seventh. Wigberto Nevares opened the sixth with his second home run of the night.

Later in the inning, with two outs, Jean Cuevas drew a walk, then was knocked home by a double by Christian Otero.

Abdiel Solano singled to start the Panama rally in the bottom of the seventh. Ivan Garrido came in to pinch-run for Solano. Leonardo Burgos then tripled to dive Garrido in for a run. But Puerto Rico was able to force the final out with Gardo still on third base, and took the 4-3 win.