HAGGAN ELIMINATE PIRATES

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By Regina Shiroma

Haggan’s Brian Santos takes a hard swing at the ball in the bottom of the fifth inning. (photo by Errol Alegre Jr.)

The No.8 seeded Haggan and No.9 seeded Piti Pirates went head-to-head in their first playoff game of the Guam Amateur Baseball Latte Spring League. After seven and half innings of play, Haggan finished off the Pirates with a 9-2 win Monday night at the Okkodo field.

Both teams displayed stellar defense, moving through the innings with three quick outs. However, Haggan pitcher Brian Santos proved to have the better night, pitching all seven innings and throwing 12 strikeouts in the win.

“I couldn’t do it by myself. We had to come back with sticks to actually win the game, I just tried to hold them as much as I could,” said Santos

Haggan scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth to secure the win and advancement to the next round. Donovan Santos ran in on an RBI from Joshua Cruz to make the score 5-2. Cruz was then able to make it home off two consecutive errors as he stepped over second and third base. Larry Fejeran would then bring in Mike Gumataotao for Haggan’s final run of the game.

Pirates’ first baseman Ral Cruz was able to make the catch to tag out Haggan batter P.J. Quintanilla. (photo by Errol Alegre Jr.)

Taking an early 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first, Haggan would go on retain their lead throughout the game.  Thanks to two RBI hits by Jaylon Alvarez and Donovan Santos, Haggan took the lead, 2-1. Fejeran would go on to extend his teams lead, running home on an error.

Piti struck first after Jaz Balajadia ran home on an RBI single by Jay Cing in the top of the first inning. The Pirates would not score their second and final run until the top of the sixth when Chuck Mendiola stole home.

Moving along in the finals, team Haggan will play the first place Chalan Pago Amigos on Wednesday at 7p.m. at the Okkodo field.

“We’re just going to have to go in strong, think about winning, and have fun with the game,” said Santos.

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