This is why we love the World Baseball Classic, folks. This is why we love underdogs. This is why baseball is the greatest game on earth.

Panama defeated Canada 4-3 in Pool A action, pulling off a crucial upset that keeps their tournament hopes alive. And they did it the hard way — with hustle, heads-up baserunning, and a little help from Canada's mistakes.

The go-ahead runs came in the sixth inning on what looked like a routine infield single. But then veteran pitcher James Paxton made a throwing error, and suddenly Panama was back in front. That's playoff baseball in March.

Here's the thing about tournament baseball: Every pitch matters. Every at-bat matters. Every play in the field matters. Panama knew they were facing elimination, and they played like it. Canada? They played like a team that thought they already had it won.

That's sports. That's the beautiful cruelty of competition.

Panama doesn't have the MLB superstars that Canada has. They don't have the depth or the pitching staff. What they have is fight. What they have is belief. And on Saturday, that was enough.

Canada came into this tournament as one of the favorites. They've got big leaguers up and down the roster. But baseball has a way of humbling you when you don't respect your opponent. Paxton is a solid veteran pitcher, but that one mistake cost them the game.

For Panama, this isn't just a win. This is a lifeline. This is hope. This is the chance to extend their stay in the tournament and maybe — just maybe — pull off something magical.

The WBC is special because you get to see teams playing for pride, for country, for something bigger than themselves. Panama didn't play for money or playoff positioning. They played for their flag, and they played with everything they had.

Now they've got a chance. That's all any team can ask for.

That's what sports is all about, folks.