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By Gus Untalan

Phillies’ Brandon San Nicolas hit 2RBI in the bottom of the fifth inning to reduce the gap. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

In a much-anticipated matchup in the Budweiser Baseball League, the Braves kept their perfect record intact defeating the Crown Bakery Phillies 12-9 Thursday evening at the Paseo Stadium.

The defending champions wasted no time getting on board in the top of the first inning. A RBI single to right field by Jimmy Reyes drove home Jared Palomo.

The Braves continued to build a lead adding two runs in the top of the second inning. A field error by the Phillies allowed John Sarmiento to reach home safely. Then, a few batters later, third baseman JT Tuquero ran home on a sacrifice fly by Palomo.

The Braves remained persistent adding plenty of insurance runs in the top of the third inning. A RBI single to left field by Sarmiento drove home Glen Fernandez. Next, a RBI single by Tuquero drove home Dominic Cruz. Sarmiento would score the final run of the inning off a RBI single by John Salas. The Braves led by as many as six runs.

Though down the first half of the game, the Phillies fought hard and managed to cut the lead to one run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Third baseman John San Nicolas sparked the run hitting a RBI single that drove home first baseman Matt Muna. A few plays later, Branden Fernandez touched home plate on a field error by the Braves. To round out the inning, Brandon San Nicolas hit a huge two run-scoring double passed short stop to send home Alejandro Diaz and John San Nicolas to end the inning down 6-5.

The last chance effort by the Phillies came in the bottom of the seventh inning. Down 8-5, Tim Muna whacked the ball over the wall on a two run homerun to come within one run of the Braves.

Braves’ Jimmy Reyes forces the out at first on Phillies’ Branden Fernandez. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Braves however found a second wind adding four runs in the top of the eighth inning to insure the win. Rico Castro cranked a pitch to deep right field that drove home BJ Balajadia and Palomo for the two run-scoring double. Castro would later add a run on a field error by the Phillies. The final run for the Braves came when Carl Quintanilla reached home on a bases loaded walk total their score at 12 runs.

In the win, Rico Castro of the Braves finished with three RBI’s at bat with two hit doubles. Despite the loss, Phillies lead pitcher Freddie Cepeda exited with four strikeouts.

The Braves remain in undefeated with an improved record of 5-0 while the Phillies drop to 2-2.

BBL action continues Friday as the Bank of Guam Athletics face off against the Agana Heights Sushi Rock Cougars.  Game time is 7pm at the Paseo Stadium.  Add “Guam BBL” on Facebook for the latest news and updates on the Budweiser Baseball League.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Braves’ Jared Palomo quickly gets the ball to first baseman Jimmy Reyes to force the out. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Phillies’ Branden Fernandez gets a hit on the ball. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Braves’ John Pangelinan pitched five complete innings and had three strikeouts on the night. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Braves’ Rico Castro scored a RBI in the top of the sixth inning. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Braves’ Joe Tuquero reacts to the hit to force the out. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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