CNMI Majors’ Nate Nekai gets ready for the incoming pitch during a game against American Samoa in the Majors Division of the 2025 Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament at the Hwaseung Dream Park, South Korea on Tuesday.
Contributed photo
DEVASTATING news fell upon the CNMI Majors team on Tuesday night as they were informed that they would not advance to the playoff round of the 2025 Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament after falling short by just two runs in a three-way tiebreaker with Thailand and the Philippines.
Earlier that night at Hwaseung Dream Park in South Korea, CNMI defied all odds with a dramatic late-game comeback to stun American Samoa, 9-6 — a result that initially appeared to secure them a spot in the Group B playoff round.
However, later that evening, the Philippines defeated Thailand, creating a three-way tie among CNMI, Thailand, and the Philippines, all holding 4-1 records. Because each team had beaten one another during the tournament, the tiebreaker came down to the fewest runs allowed. Unfortunately, CNMI fell just short — allowing 29 runs compared to Thailand’s 27 and the Philippines’ 10.
“The boys were bummed because they really gave it their all,” said CNMI team manager Nicolas Nekai Jr. in an interview with Variety. Sadly, there are no consolation games for either of the major division pools.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Nekai expressed pride in the team’s overall performance, especially given CNMI’s absence from international competition in recent years. “I would say our performance was great. Coming into the tournament, everyone brushed us off as a ‘new team.’ My boys knew we were the underdogs, and they brought it to every team they faced,” Nekai said.
He also extended his gratitude to the coaching staff, players, board members, parents, fans, government officials, and everyone who made it possible for the team to compete once again on the international stage.
