BBL: BRAVES ANSWER BACK IN GAME 2

By Robert Balajadia

The IT&E Braves did what no other team has been able to do all BBL season which is beat the AM Insurance Orioles 4-2 in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinal series at the Paseo Stadium Tuesday night.

The Braves dropped Game 1 of the series Friday after Miller Santos hit a walk-off RBI to steal the game in the bottom of the 9th inning. The stage was set for a similar situation in the top of the 9th inning with the Orioles trailing, but the Braves’ defense prevailed in the final inning to grab the win.

The heart of the Orioles’ lineup – Santos, JR Hattig and Matt Muna – were the final three batters for the Orioles with Muna hitting a pop fly straight to outfielder Jared Palomo who made the catch to end the game.

The Orioles were close to pulling off another comeback in the top of the 8th inning after Braves starter Tony Yatar gave up a leadoff double to Hattig and walked Muna right after.

Yatar made his exit as Glen Palomo came in to try and close out the Orioles.

Braves’ big hitter Rico Castro gets a hold a two-run double 2RBI double to cash in the first two runs of the game in the 3rd inning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Palomo was able to get Orioles designated hitter John Pangelinan and JD San Nicolas out but walked Mike Aguon to load the bases with the Orioles still trailing 4-1. Palomo then walked the Orioles’ next batter Florencio Binuya allowing Hattig to score cutting the lead 4-2.

Palomo was able to strikeout Orioles KC Cruz with the bases still loaded to escape the inning which set up the quick close out in the top of the 9th.

Rico Castro was the lead man for the Braves getting a two-RBI double in the bottom of the 3rd inning, bringing in runners BJ Balajadia and Carl Quintanilla to go up 2-0 early on.

The Orioles would respond in the top of the 6th inning after Pangelinan smacked a shot that hit the left outfield wall allowing Hattig to run in from second base to score the Orioles first run cutting the lead 2-1. Hattig had successfully stolen second base after getting a lead off base hit to begin the inning.

Orioles JR Hattig puts a stamp on his way home scoring the teams first run. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Yatar escaped the 6th inning still holding on to the lead which allowed the Braves to tack on more runs in the bottom of the 6th.

Braves lead hitter Jared Palomo got on base followed by another base hit from Alan Sarmiento which prompted Orioles manager Pat Leon Guerrero to call a timeout to settle down starting pitcher Eric Cepeda.

Cepeda then allowed Dominic Cruz to hit an RBI single to bring home Palomo putting the Braves up 3-1. A sac-fly by Joe Tuquero brought home Sarmiento which gave the Braves the 4-1 lead after six complete innings.

Game 3 between the Braves and Orioles is scheduled for Sunday June 1.

PHOTO GALLERY

Braves shortstop Joe Tuquero makes a big save in the 8th inning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Orioles’ manager Pat Leon Guerrero tries to settle down starting pitcher Eric Cepeda. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Braves’ Tony Yatar checks Orioles JR Hattig at first base. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Braves’ BJ Balajadia gets a base hit in the 7th inning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Orioles JR Hattig beats the throw to first base. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Braves BJ Balajadia scores the games first run with teammate Carl Quintanilla sprinting home for the second run. (photo by Robert Balajadia)