Dela Cruz leads Rangers to 3-2 win over Phillies 
Winning Pitcher- Frankie Dela Cruz; Losing Pitcher- Eric Cepeda
The AAA Division Talofofo Rangers (3-2) and Philip & Son’s Phillies (0-4) faced off in the 12 pm Saturday game at Leo Palace Stadium. Under beautiful skies the fans were treated to a great pitchers duel between Rangers starter Frankie Dela Cruz and Phillies starter Eric Cepeda. Dela Cruz would go the distance allowing only 3 hits in 7 innings to hold off a late Phillies rally and hold on to 3-2 win.
The Rangers struck first taking advantage of two Phillies errors to score three runs in the top of the 1st inning. Singles from RJ Cruz who was 3 for 3 in the game, Andrew Taijeron and Shawn De la Cruz fueled the Rangers rally.
However, Cepeda and the Phillies bullpen would hold the Phillies scoreless for the remainder of the game giving their offense a chance to come back. The Phillies finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 6th with Jess Alerta and JD San Nicolas reaching on walks before Chad Palomo would drive them in with a two rbi single cutting the Rangers lead to 3-2. But De la Cruz would retire the next two batters to end the Phillies rally and throw a 1-2-3 7th inning to hold on for the win.
The Rangers improve to 3-2 with the win and Phillies fall to 0-4.
Ipan Rays down AF Reserves 13-7
Winning Pitcher- Ed Sanchez; Losing Pitcher- Mike Gumataotao
The Ipan Rays (3-1) and AF Reserves (0-4) faced off in the Saturday mid day matchup. The Rays would jump out to an early 7-2 lead in the first inning and never look back despite a late rally by the Reserves. The Ipan Rays would cruise to a 13-7 win over the AF Reserves. Alan Sarmiento would pace the Rays offense with two doubles, two runs scored and an rbi. Roman Duenas and Tony Doyle would also contribute rbi doubles as the Rays pounded out 10 hits in 5 innings.
The Air Force Reserves battled back from the early deficit with two runs in 3rd and 4th innings but couldn’t make up the difference. Jacob Bamba was 2 for 3 with a run and rbi to lead the Reserves offense.
Ipan Ray’s starter Edward Sanchez picks up the win as the Ipan Rays improve to 3-1 on the season. AF Reserves fall to 0-4.
Yigolos sit alone on top the AAA Division with win over Angels
Winning Pitcher- Jesse Miner Jr; Losing Pitcher- Derwin Aguon
The top of the AAA Division standings was up for grabs in the 6pm game with a great matchup between the AM-PCR Angels (3-1) and the Yigolos (4-1). The winner would stay undefeated and hold onto sole possession of 1st place in the AAA Division. In the end with all the mix of talent and veterans that were on the field the main difference would be Yigolo’s starter 16 year old Jesse Miner Jr. The Yigolos offense would help out with a big 7-run 1st inning as the Yigolos rolled to a 8-0 win over the Angels.
The Yigolos came out patient at the plate and took advantage Angels errors to put 7 runs on the board early with the inning highlighted by a 2 rbi double by Yigolo’s BJ Balajadia. Angels starter Derwin Aguon would leave early with a sore elbow giving way to Freddy Cepeda who would hold the Yigolos to only one run over the final five innings.
But seven runs was more than Miner would need mixing fastballs, curves and kuckleball to hold the Angels offense to only three hits over four innings and propelling the Yigolos to a 8-0 win over the Angels.
The Yigolos stay perfect at 4-0 and the Angels fall to 3-1 picking up their first loss of the season.
MMA/Boxing
YAMAMOTO, AGUON TO END YEAR IN RIZIN 26 RING
DID U KNOW?
Frank ‘The Crank’ Camacho was a competitive youth golfer in Saipan with dreams of making it to the PGA.
QUICK HITS
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gains another CHamoru black belt.
Johnny-James Lujan earned the honor in Colorado from Professor Tom Lynn, who is also a former US Olympian in taekwondo.
Lujan is the son of Johnny Lujan formerly of Mongmong and Janille Jamero Lujan formerly of Sinajana.
