PHILLIES TOP JR NATIONALS

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By Robert Balajadia

Phillies’ John San Nicolas steps into delivering the pitch during a BBL game against the Jr. Nationals. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Crown Bakery Phillies defeated the Guam Paradise Fitness Junior Nationals 10-6 in Thursday night Budweiser Baseball League action to advance to 6-4 on the season.  The Phillies are chasing a playoff spot and know that they have to win every game for the remainder of the season in order to get in.

The score was tied 3-3 entering the bottom of the third inning when the Phillies turned to Calvert Alokoa who slammed a three-run home run to give the Phillies the 6-3 lead.  They would not allow the Junior Nationals to get closer than three runs throughout the game.

The Phillies defense came through shutting out the Junior Nationals for three straight innings and leading the way was shortstop Jathan Muna-Barnes.

“We did pretty good but we still had a couple of errors here and there.  We really have to shut it down, especially for our next game against the Braves.  We know that we have to win out in order to make the playoffs,” stated Muna-Barnes.

Phillies shortstop Jathan Muna-Barnes grabbed the ball on a bounce and made the play to first base for the out. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Trailing 8-4 heading into the eight inning, Junior Nationals Jesse Miner was presented with a golden chance to get an in-the-park-home-run slamming the ball deep right field right past the outfielders gloves.  Miner stopped at third base and waited while the ball was finally picked up.

The Phillies threw the ball to the home plate assuming Miner was going to make an attempt to score but the ball was well overthrown which allowed Miner another shot at a possible score but Miner staid grounded.

Miner was eventually brought in a couple of plays later off an error to cut the lead 8-5.

The Phillies responded in the bottom of the eighth inning by scoring two runs, an RBI single from Branden Fernandez and one off an errant throw to stretch the lead 10-5.

The top of ninth inning was the Junior Nationals last attempt at a comeback when Johnny Aguon was at bat with runners on second and third.  An error by the Phillies brought in a run to cut the lead 10-6.  The Phillies closed out the game on a pop fly to secure the 10-6 victory.

This was the last time the Phillies and Junior Nationals will meet in the 2013 BBL season.  The Phillies still have to defeat the Braves, Cougars, and Saipan in order to get into the playoffs while the Junior Nationals have been eliminated from contention.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

With ball in glove Jr. Nationals’ Shane Muna moves to make the tag against Phillies’ Chad Fernandez at second base. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Phillies’ second baseman Shon Muna Jr. tossed the ball to shortstop Jathan Muna-Barnes to make the out against Jr. Nationals’ Shane Muna. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Jr. Nationals’ Bradly Sablan delivered the pitch during a BBL game against the Phillies. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Phillies’ first baseman Chad Fernandez readies for the incoming ball as Jr. Nationals’ Johnny Aguon narrowly avoids being picked off. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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