By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

Saturday marked the opening round of the IIAAG High School Baseball League postseason. With teams looking to advance to the next round, fans were treated to an action filled day around the diamond. Over at the Okkodo field, the Simon Sanchez Sharks and George Washington Geckos battled one another. When the final out was recorded it was the Geckos who advanced after defeating their opponents 14-3. The game was called after five innings via the league’s ten-run mercy rule.

“It’s playoff time and we came ready to play,” said GW starting pitcher Allan Gillan. “Today’s game was a great way to start the playoffs. We just got to keep showing up ready to play and not take anyone lightly.”

GW immediately set the tempo of the game right from the start as they posted two runs to take an early lead. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of things, Gillan got right into a comfort zone from the mound and retired the Sharks quickly in the bottom of the first inning keeping it a 2-0 game.

Before retiring the Sharks side in order, GW continued to keep their sticks lit and added two runs in the second to take a four run lead. With teammates Curtis Panaguiton and Calvin Valentine on base, Isaiah Nauta stroked a shot into left field driving in both runs. Despite threatening to add runs the Sharks managed to end the inning.

GW’s Jacob Bamba smashes a two RBI double down left field line. (photo by Joey Blas)

Later in the fourth, the Geckos’ Nauta recorded his third RBI after another base hit allowed Valentine to score. Before the Sharks could get out of the inning, Nauta would find his way across home plate giving GW a commanding 7-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Simon Sanchez ended the dry spell with the assistance of a Geckos error. A balk called on Gillan allowed for the Sharks first run of the game.

Things worsened for the Sharks in the top of the fifth inning as the Geckos scored seven unanswered runs giving them a 14-1 lead. A leadoff single by Kenji McCarthy got things started. On the ensuing at-bat Jacob Bamba made McCarthy’s stay on the base path short-lived as a double scored GW’S eighth run of the game. Despite a pitching change, the Shark woes continued as Nauta, Gillan, McCarthh and Hank Sablan combined for six RBIs. After finally getting out of the jam, the Sharks went into the bottom of the fifth needing at least four runs to keep the game going. However, after allowing two runs, the Geckos defense buckled down and recorded the final out to end the game.

“Overall we played a good game, but we can’t settle for just this win,” said Nauta. “We now have to get ready for our next game, it’s the playoffs so everyone is at their best.”

Nauta led the Geckos offense going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Teammate McCarthy added three RBIs while going 3-for-4 as well. Defensively, Gillan picked up the win on the mound pitched a complete game.

Other Scores

FD 13, Tiyan 0 – Bryton Cepeda pitches a perfect game as the FD Friars shutout the Tiyan Titans in IIAAG Baseball quarterfinals action this morning.
Southern 17, Guam High 3

PHOTO GALLERY:

Sharks Joe Quintanilla comes in to relief in the 4th inning. (photo by Joey Blas)

GW’s Center Fielder Hank Sablan makes a nice diving catch to end the inning. (photo by Joey Blas)

GW’s Starting Pitcher Alan Gillan pitches a complete game against the Sharks. (photo by Joey Blas)

GW’s Second Baseman makes a difficult catch with the ball hanging in the path of the sun. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sharks Trey Leon battles at the plate to bring the count to a full count. (photo by Joey Blas)

Sanchez D. Cruz makes a nice grab in foul territory for the third out. (photo by Joey Blas)