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By Gus Untalan

Athletics first baseman Randy Alcantara gets the out at first. (photo by Jose Perez)

The Bank of Guam Athletics proved their first win over the Crown Bakery Phillies was no fluke blowing them out 17-4 Thursday evening at the Paseo Stadium. The game was called after eight innings via the ten-run mercy rule.

A sixth inning splurge allowed the Athletics to pull away to secure the victory over the Phillies. Up 6-4 to open the inning, Zach Sablan sparked the run scoring on a wild pitch. A few batters later, catcher Mike Bautista cranked a 2 RBI single to right field that drove home Ryan Martinez and Roke Alcantara, Jr. Carrying the momentum, Randy Alcantara hit a two RBI single that continued to build a lead. The final run of the inning came off a RBI single by Don Juan Franquez to end the inning with Bank of Guam up 12-4.

The Athletics wasted no time getting on board in the top of the opening inning. After poor field performance by the Phillies leaving the bases loaded, a hit by pitch walk sent home Ryan Martinez for the first run of the game. On the next at bat, back-to-back field errors allowed Roke Alcantara, Jr. and Mike Bautista to reach home safely. The last run of the inning came off an overthrow to first base that drove left fielder DJ Cruz home giving Bank of Guam a 4-0 lead. Once in command, the Athletics never looked back.

Bank of Guam followed up in the top of the fifth inning two runs insurance. Alcantara, Jr. and Bautista both scored on back-to-back field errors to give the Athletics a 6-2 lead.

Phillies Derwin Aguon reaches home safely. Safe signs all around. (photo by Jose Perez)

In their last chance effort, the Phillies were able to come within two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Third baseman Derwin Aguon cranked a pitch to deep right field that drove home Tim Muna. On the same play, two errors allowed Aguon to reach home safely to end the inning down 6-4. The Phillies were unable to amount any offense after.

Young 18-year-old Sean Cruz was steady on the mound, pitching into the seventh inning and recorded seven strikeouts in the win.

With the win, the Athletics improve to 6-2 and are now in second place while the Phillies drop to 4-4.

BBL action continues Friday evening at the Paseo Stadium. Game time is 7pm. Add “Guam BBL” on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

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