By Robert Balajadia

The Sanchez Sharks fell back on their defense during Wednesday evenings IIAAG Baseball playoff game against the FD Friars, knocking the defending champs out of title contention in a closely contested 6-5 game at the Okkodo Field. Wednesday’s game was also the 3rd place game with the winner advancing to face the GW Geckos on Saturday while the loser is awarded 3rd place in the double-elimination format.

Trailing 5-3 in the 6th inning, the Sharks took full advantage of a pitching change for FD while getting three runs in the inning to take the 6-5 advantage. The pressure was on for freshman pitcher Jadein ‘Cheeseburger’ Evangelista as he had to keep FD off the scoreboard for two straight innings to secure the win.

“I was very nervous and my heart was pumping pretty good, but I just tried my best,” said Evangelista.

Wendy’s Players of The Game: Jadein Evangelista, left, and Sigfrido Sanchez, right, led the Simon Sanchez Sharks on both sides of the field to knock out the FD Friars 6-5 in the 2018 IIAAG HS Baseball Semifinals Game. (Photo by Michael Blas)

FD retired starting pitcher Noah Pereda after two walks in the 6th to bring on Sean Balauro. Balauro would struggle to find his pitch, walking two Sharks to tie the game at five before making his exit for Ethan Lobaton. With the bases loaded, it would be Evangelista to deliver a lead changing hit, securing an RBI single that took a fortunate in-field bounce to go up 6-5.

The defense rallied behind Evangelista in the 6th with one out away as FD’s Kobe Martinez connected to send his hit deep right, but Shark Rico Miner was sitting under it the whole way to grab the out. Friar Justin Leon Guerrero was held up at second and was advised to try and steal third after the out, but Miner’s throw was well ahead of Leon Guerrero as the MVP Sigfrido Sanchez grabbed and tagged the sliding Leon Guerrero for the double play.

FD ended the top of the 7th inning on a double play as well giving their offense a chance to tie or win the game.

With one out away, big hitter Aidan McDonald would get on base followed by a single from Jake Carbullido to really put the pressure on Evangelista. Friar Rowen Brantley would face a full count before Evangelista would get a big strikeout for the second out of the inning. McDonald would end up stealing third with batter Daniel Akimoto at bat.

Akimoto was facing a full count as well as Evangelista caught him out swinging for the final out to force the Friars to settle for 3rd place.

The Sharks were knocked into the losers bracket by the Geckos earlier this week and now they are tasked with defeating GW twice in order to win the 2018 title.

“We’re going to try our hardest and we’re going to go back to practice and work harder, but we’re going to the ‘chip,” stated Jadein.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

FD Friars Noah Pereda pitches in the early innings of the game. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Tyler Santos held down the FD Friars in the early innings of the game. (Photo by Michael Blas)

FD Friars Dominic Cruz runs to home plate to score for the Friars. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Rico Mimer slides safely into third base. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Jadein Evangelista connects with a big hit to bring in runners. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Sigfrido Sanchez slides home. (Photo by Michael Blas)

FD Friars Noah Pereda gets three strike outs with the bases loaded. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Jadein "Cheeseburger" Evangelista prepares another slider. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Jeremiah Sablan runs safely to first base. (Photo by Michael Blas)

Simon Sanchez Sharks Sigfrido Sanchez gets ready for a run at second while FD Friars Roen Brantley looks for the pass. (Photo by Michael Blas)

The Simon Sanchez Sharks celebrate as they defeated the FD Friars 6-5, locking in their spot in the 2018 IIAAG HS Baseball Championship Game. (Photo by Michael Blas)