By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE Mobil Kagman Aztecs and the Toyota Matrix held their ground in the last inning to eke out close wins, while the Chalan Kanoa Bears and the Bank of Saipan Red Sox cruised to easy victories in the Majors division of the 2007 Saipan Little League Baseball tournament last Saturday at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Ballfield.
The Aztecs prevailed in a low-scoring game over the Hustlers, 4-3, to improve to a 10-1 record and claim the solo second spot.
Relief pitcher Leroy Regis broke the 3-3 deadlock with a run on a Noel Sanchez RBI at the top of the seventh.
The Hustlers, who had only one loss going into the match, started the bottom of the seventh with a single from pitcher Austin Lizama.
Second batter Ray Saralu was struck out for the first out and the Hustlers where later called for the second out when Lizama was caught stealing second base.
Regis walked Hustlers’ third batter Jesus Celes and ended the match in their favor after catching a grounder and throwing the ball to first baseman Tim Deleon Guerrero, who tagged Franklin Lizama out.
In the fourth match in the Majors division, another relief pitcher performed well on the mound.
RK Knecht, who relieved Joe Deleon Guerrero at the opening part of the seventh inning, had two strikeouts at the top of the seventh inning to preserve the Matrix 12-10 win over the Pirates.
After six complete innings, Matrix led by six, 12-6.
After allowing four runs at the top of the seventh, Knecht struck out Max Camacho for the second out. The Pirates were called for their first out in the early part of the top of the seventh with Kaisei Toda beaten to first base.
Arthur Jebsan hit a single in the next offensive play driving RJ Nakayama home to move the Hustlers within two, 10-12, and keep their hopes alive.
But Knecht quickly ended the Hustlers’ chances to steal the game as he struck out LJ Norita.
Matrix improved to a 5-7 record and posted back-to-back wins after a 10-2 triumph against the San Vicente A’s on May 12.
The A’s absorbed another loss as they were shut out by the Red Sox.
The Red Sox notched their fifth win in nine games with a 10-0 win after only four innings.
The A’s dropped to a 2-10 slate.
In the other Majors’ results, the Bears improved to a 4-4 slate after downing the Little Legals, 9-2.
Seniors: Hustlers, Jets win
The Hustlers boosted their playoffs bid after beating the Pirates, 6-3.
The Hustlers improved to a 3-7 record and moved a win ahead of the Fielders (2-8).
Only the top four teams will advance to the Seniors playoffs and the Hustlers are currently in fourth place. The Pirates are in third with a 3-6 slate.
The Jets continue to lead the Senior League with a 9-1 record following their 12-7 victory over the Fielders last Saturday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield.
The Jets are two wins ahead of second placer the Falcons, who have a 7-2 slate.