The North Americans triumphed 20-15 in the first game before taking the second 23-22 to secure their first gold medal at the event.

In all, they had to play four consecutive games today at the Plant City Stadium.

They earlier defeated Great Britain 17-5 and then hosts the United States 16-12 to advance to the gold medal game.

The US thus had to settle for the bronze medal.

The Bahamas overcame the US 14-11 to advance directly to the gold medal game.

They led 19-14 in the second and decisive game of the final before Canada scored two more runs to swing the match in their favour. 

Co-ed slow pitch features both male and female athletes playing together alongside one another on the field.

Each team is allowed a maximum of 20 players, with no fewer than five being of one gender.

The Bahamas earned victory in 2016 by beating Britain 22-11.