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Back Sports Barrigada Crusaders edge Guahan Soldiers

Barrigada Crusaders edge Guahan Soldiers

Friday, 18 May 2012 03:30am
BY MIKE NAUTA JR. | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
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HEADING into their Guam Amateur Baseball Latte Spring League game on Monday night, both the Barrigada Crusaders and Guahan Soldiers held identical (3-2) records. Both teams were looking to topple the other and improve their league record. Surviving a late rally by the Soldiers, Barrigada would capture a slim 5-4 victory over their opponents. With the victory, the Crusaders claimed sole possession of fourth place.

The game started with a great pitching matchup with Crusaders starter Jonovan Dela Cruz and Soldiers starter Zach Sablan matching each other through the first three innings.

Guahan Soldiers posted the game’s first run on the scoreboard in the fourth inning after Justin Perez scored on a Kimo Benavente RBI-single.

The Crusaders responded in the bottom of the fifth inning with five unanswered runs. Barrigada’s Hank Sablan got things going with a lead-off single to put a runner on base.

Moments later, an RBI-single by Nate Cruz allowed for Sablan to cross home plate. The Crusaders didn’t stop there as Carlo Naputi whipped a two-RBI single to right field that increased his team’s lead.

Before Guahan could get out of the inning, Naputi touched home for Barrigada’s fifth run of the inning.

The Soldiers would chip away in the sixth inning with Justin Perez singling and Gerald Santos reaching on a walk. Kimo Benavente would then single them in to close the gap at 5-3.

In the seventh inning, the Soldiers loaded the bases to threaten the Crusaders. However, Guahan was only able to push a single run across before Kaleb Cruz closed out the game to preserve the Crusader lead for the victory.

Barrigada starter Dela Cruz went four innings, allowing only one earned run, but picking up the no decision. However, teammate Kaleb Cruz threw the final three innings to pick up the win. The Soldiers’ Zach Sablan pitched a complete game, allowing only four earned runs but picks up the loss as the Soldiers fall 3-3 on the season.

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