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By Regina Shiroma

Dave Pecha gets a hit into the left gap in the bottom of the fourth. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Latte Spring League Playoffs featured the No. 4 and the No. 5 placed Agat teams at the Okkodo field Tuesday night. In a back and forth game, the Agat Cardinals defeated their counterpart, the Agat Mayor’s Office Cardinals 12-7 after five-and-a-half innings of play.

“It’s always unfortunate that the two Agat teams had to play early on, one of us has to advance,” said Agat’s manager Rob Gamboa.

AMO tried to rally back in the top of the fourth, as RBI singles by Tobat Quichocho and Francisco Portodo brought them within one run of Agat. However, time was not on AMO’s side as the two-hour and 15-minute time constraint ended the game in the bottom of the fourth, withholding AMO’s opportunity for another chance at bat.

Agat Cardinals’ Miah Pecina pitched four strikeouts to aid his team in the win. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

At the bottom of the third, Agat was down 5-3. Designated hitter Davey Pecha tied the game at 5-all when he took advantage of a wild pitch and stole to home plate. Jacob Castaneda took one for the team and was hit by AMO’s pitcher Josh Aguigui; the walk brought home Mariano Castaneda, allowing Agat to take a 6-5 lead. Justin Candoleta ended the inning with a two RBI single and advanced to second on an error; Candoleta brought in Jacob and Kris Cruz.

To secure the win, Jay Santos brought in Matt Blas and Jimmy Nededog for the final runs of the evening after he hit a two RBI single into the left gap.

“It was a great game tonight, hard fought by both Agat teams. It’s great that Agat was able to put out two teams to represent the village. We did a great job this season.”

The Agat Cardinals will now square-off with the Chalan Pago Amigos in the semi-final bout. The Amigos almost went undefeated in the season, but Agat spoiled their win streak, beating them in the last seasonal game.

“We’re the only ones who gave the Chalan Pago Amigos their loss during the regular season, so we look pretty confidant.”

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