PHILLIES TAKE COMMANDING LEAD

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By Gus Untalan

Phillies’ third baseman Derwin Aguon scooped up a grounder and threw it to second base in an effort to make a double play. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Crown Bakery Phillies continued where they left off in Game 1 of the Budweiser Baseball League playoffs edging out the Bank of Guam Athletics 4-2 Sunday evening at the Paseo Stadium. The Phillies now lead the best-of-five series 2-0.

No time was wasted as the Phillies managed to get on board in the bottom of the first inning. With a runner on third base, a passed ball by the Athletics allowed Miller Santos to run home for the first run of the game. Once in command, the Phillies slowly built a lead to insure the victory.

After a few scoreless innings, the Phillies were able to add insurance in the bottom of the fourth inning. Another passed ball by Bank of Guam sent home Phillies first baseman Matt Muna to give his team a 2-0 lead midway through the game.

The Phillies then added another run in the bottom of the sixth inning. A RBI single to center field by catcher Mike Aguon drove home Muna to extend the Phillies lead to 3-0.

The final run for the Phillies came in the bottom of the seventh inning as a missed grounder by the Athletics allowed Brandon San Nicolas to steal home.

Bank of Guam fought hard till the end finally getting on board in the top of the eighth inning. A RBI passed shortstop by Mark Paulino drove home left fielder Roke Alcantara, Jr. for the Athletics first run.

Caught in a pickle, Phillies’ Brandon San Nicolas reverses his run to head back to first base while being surrounded by the Athletics. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Athletics added their final run in the top of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded, a hit-by-pitch walk sent home Sean Cruz to cut the lead to two runs. The Phillies, however, used good defense to prevent the Athletics from mounting a comeback.

In the win, Phillies starting pitcher RJ Joe finished the game with seven strikeouts. Despite the loss, Athletics starter Paul Pangelinan exited with five strikeouts.

Game 3 of the best-of-five series continues Thursday evening at the Paseo Stadium. Game time is 7 pm as the Phillies will look to close out the series while Bank of Guam will fight to survive.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Phillies’ third baseman Derwin Aguon makes the tag on Athletics’ runner Ignacio Aldan, but the umpire will rule in favor of the runner. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Athletics’ starting pitcher Paul Pangelinan. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Athletics’ Zackery Sablan cranks out a grounder towards first base. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Phillies’ Miller Santos scores in a run on a bad pitch. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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