ATHLETICS STOP PHILLIES

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By Gus Untalan

Athletics Randy Alcantra catches the ball to prevents Phillies Derwin Aguon from making it to first base. (photo by Andre Gadia)

The Bank of Guam Athletics notched another win in the Budweiser Baseball League topping the Crown Bakery Phillies 9-5 Tuesday evening at the Paseo Stadium. The much-anticipated matchup saw the Athletics facing off against many former teammates in the rookie team Phillies.

The Athletics wasted no time putting three runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning. A RBI double by the DH Gerald Santos to right field drove home lead off batter Ryan Martinez for the first run of the game. Then on the next at bat, DJ Cruz whacked the ball into the outfield to send home Mike Bautista and Santos on the two-run scoring double.

With the game being a primarily defensive battle for the next few innings, Bank of Guam again found a second wind in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded, first baseman Randy Alcantara cranked a pitch to deep center field that drove home Bautista, Santos, and Cruz on an impressive three RBI double. Alcantara would later reach home on a pass ball to end the inning up 7-1.

The final two insurance runs for the Athletics came in the bottom of the eighth inning when a catching error by the Phillies allowed Bautista and Cruz to steal home totally their teams score at nine.

Down three runs, the Phillies finally got on board in the top of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded, a walk allowed second baseman Tim Cruz to touch home plate safely.

Phillies Freddy Cepeda was not able to make the catch at first base which Athletics Nate Lujan took advantage of and ran for second base.(photo by Andre Gadia)

In a last chance effort, the Phillies managed to score three runs in the top of the ninth inning to cut the deficit to 9-5 but were unable to further add runs.

In the win, Bank of Guam relief pitcher Paul Pangelinan finished with five strikeouts. Randy Alcantara finished with three RBI’s with two doubles at bat. Despite the loss, Phillies starter Freddie Cepeda exited with five strikeouts as well.

The Athletics now improve to 4-2 while the Phillies drop to 4-3.

Budweiser Baseball League action continues Thursday as the Venue Smokey’s face off against the four-time defending champion Braves. Game time is 7pm at the Paseo Stadium.

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