Baseball
BRAVES CAPTURE 5th STRAIGHT
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By Robert Balajadia
Da Braves hold their championship trophy up high towards their fans. (photo by Jesse Castro)
The players were speechless and the coaches could not find the words to describe their feelings, but Da Braves and their fans were celebrating every moment of it.
After a record-setting four straight Budweiser Baseball League Championships last year, Da Braves topped it off the only way they knew how by winning an unprecedented fifth straight title by beating the Crown Bakery Phillies 13-2 in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series Friday night at the Paseo Stadium.
Da Braves defeat the Phillies in the Championship Series 4-1.
Braves winning pitcher Joe “Main Event” Quintanilla allowed just two runs all game which translated well for both offense and defense. JP Aguon relieved Quintanilla in the top of the 9th inning to close the series with the final two strikeouts.
Of being the older players on the team, Quintanilla explained that he and Aguon have been able to carry at a high level of play thanks to their commitment to the team.
“It takes hard work. I’ve been out for a while because of my back injury but when we do practice we practice hard. Without the offense and defense we wouldn’t have won that game.”
Coasting to the Finish
McDonald’s player of the game starting pitcher Joe Quintanilla
There was no dramatic ending, no blown call that determined the series, not even bad sportsmanship. Just sheer dominance.
B.J. Balajadia had a terrific Game 4 and continued his success in Game 5 by going 2-for-5 with 4RBI’s and one run to spark a 9-2 run through the first six innings.
Da Braves and Phillies were tied in bottom of the 2nd inning before Balajadia got a good hit on the ball which translated into a two-run single. Balajadia had his second 2RBI single in the bottom of the 6th inning to stretch the lead 9-2, putting the score and the series out of reach.
Balajadia has come alive in the final games of the series and credits it to off-the-field workouts saying, “It starts at practice. I worked hard in the cage and finally got my stuff together. From the beginning of the game we told ourselves that we were going to play hard from the first out to the 27th out. The [Phillies] really came out to play.”
The Phillies managed just five hits all game, going 5-for-29 at bat. Calvert Alokoa got a lead-off home run in the top of the 2nd inning to score the games first run but the Phillies managed just two from the 3rd to 9th inning.
Da Braves, on the other hand, cashed in another good hitting performance going 15-40.
Phillies’ look out to the field from their dugout during the last inning of the championship game. (photo by Jesse Castro)
The Phillies deployed five different pitchers throughout the game with each pitcher allowing at least one run.
Braves designated hitter Pete Guerrero has been money all series long, going 3-for-5 with 2RBI’s to go along with two runs.
Confidence was something Da Braves never lacked, going on their fifth title defense, manager Derrick Santos was more than ready to praise his squad for their commitment.
“It’s their dedication and commitment they have in practice. Without the brotherhood and that bond, they are not going to be able to do anything. It feels great, these boys know what it takes to be a winner and know that they will prevail if they continue to bring the heart.”
Honorary Braves batboy Josh “Slush” Ramirez was celebrating another championship with his Braves, and wanted to give congrats to all the BBL teams for a really great season.
“Dynasty” is no longer a new term for Da Braves, who have already established their reign over Guam baseball. So, what can we say about their unbelievable streak? Like most of the players, coaches, and fans, the loss of words says it all.
Series Recap:
FINALS GAME 4: Braves def. Phillies 13-9
FINALS GAME 3: Braves def, Phillies 16-3
FINALS GAME 2: Phillies def. Braves 6-5
FINALS GAME 1: Braves def. Phillies 5-3
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Braves’ fans cheer their team on as they win their fifth championship title. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Braves’ Carl Quintanilla sends a grounder towards third base. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Phillies’ J.D. San Nicolas takes a swing at the incoming pitch. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Braves’ B.J. Balajadia scrambles back to first base where Phillies’ Matt Muna waits for the ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Braves’ shortstop Carl Quintanilla fires the ball to first base to get the out. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Braves’ Joe Quintanilla is greeted by his teammates for a well-pitched game. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Phillies gather around their coach for an after game assessment. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Phillies congratulate Da Braves on their win. (photo by Jesse Castro)
Braves’ manager Ron Perez gets the fans started in cheering on the team. (photo by Jesse Castro)
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