CHIEFS STAND TALL AMONGST ASIAN TEAMS IN TAIWAN

The Guam Chiefs finished with a respectable semifinals finish in the 1st Taiwan International Baseball Tournament, dropping a close 3-2 game to Korea on Saturday.

The tournament was an offshoot of the initial Taiwan-Guam friendship games held on Guam last December. Taiwan hosted last week’s tournament that included teams from Australia, Korea, Japan and Palau.

“It was a great overall experience,” Chiefs manager RJ Escalona said. “We thank TIBIDA organization and all involved in putting this tournament together and inviting us to represent Guam. We’re already being invited to another tournament in 2027.”

The Guam squad featured most of the Guam national team (Sean Balauro, Guifon Terlaje, Ricky Leon Guerrero), recent high school standouts (Saez Alvarez, Ty Leon Guerrero, Zach Muna), baseball veterans (BJ Balajadia, Joe Tuquero) and current college stud Ethan Lizama.

“I’m proud of our Guam Chiefs staff and players,” Escalona added. “These young men showcased their skills and capabilities against elite level talent. We played a solid all-around game and didn’t allow more than 2 runs each game. Pitching, defense, and offense were on full display this tournament.”

GAME ACTION

After solid wins over Australia (14-2) and Taiwan (8-1) in pool play, Guam moved into the semis against a solid Korean team that featured pitcher Han Seon Tae, a former Korean pro player with the LG Twins. In the end, Korea managed to pull off a tight 3-2 win.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the second inning, three straight singles by Lizama, Ricky Leon Guerrero and Dion Sadao loaded the bases with no outs. An RBI single by Brandon Tuquero and a fielder’s choice put Guam ahead 2-1.

Korea tied it up in the 4^th and eventually the go-ahead run in the 5^th off Guam starter Joe Epler, who tossed 4 2/3 innings.

Guam threatened in the top of the 6^th inning, getting two runners on base with no outs. However, Korea quickly got the final three outs to end the game since it reached the two-hour time limit.

Lizama led the Guam offense with two hits, including a ground-ruled double in the 3^rd inning.

Korea would drop the championship game to Japan 3-2.

MEN’S BASEBALL

With a solid performance by some of Guam’s best players against international competition, Escalona adds the need for year-round games on island in order to stay competitive against different countries in the region.

With only the GABA leagues available for adults and the Guam Major League not in existence since 2022, there’s just not enough game play for Guam’s best.

“I hope we can get more games/seasons going for men’s baseball on Guam. Playing and training year-round will only help improve our skills on Guam and be able to perform at these international tournaments.”