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.