The 14-under United States national team rebounded from an early 3-0 deficit on Friday to defeat Panama 9-4 in the semifinals of the Pan-American Championships in San Felipe, Venezuela. The win put the team at 7-0 in the tournament.

Leading the way for the United States was Flowery Branch resident Jonathan Hughes.

Hughes entered the game as a reliever in the first inning with the bases loaded and the U.S. down 3-0. He struck out two to end the inning and didn’t look back, pitching 6 2/3 innings, striking out six and allowing just one run on two hits.

He also propelled the team offensively with two home runs and five RBIs. In six games at the championships, Hughes has four hits in seven at bats, five runs scored and six driven in.

The team will play in the gold medal game today at 1:30 p.m.