The Bears’ J-Boy Mediola leans out as he readies an attempt to steal third base during a 2025 Saipan Baseball League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
THE Bears woke up from hibernation on Wednesday night to overpower the Natives, 15-3, in a 2025 Saipan Baseball League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
From the first pitch, the Bears made their intentions clear, quickly retiring the Natives in the top of the opening inning with three outs and no hits allowed.
In the bottom half, the Bears’ batting lineup seemed laser-focused, as seven players earned RBIs — led by J-Boy Mendiola, whose consistent presence on base included two separate RBI singles to bring in 10 runs before the Natives could stop the bleeding.
Down 10-0, the Natives showed grit in the top of the second inning with an RBI single by Juan Tenorio, followed by another run scored off an error. But in the bottom half, the Bears responded with Mendiola’s third RBI and a run scored off a wild pitch to maintain their double-digit lead, 12-2.
In the third inning, both teams showcased their defensive capabilities, with both pitchers earning two strikeouts and allowing no runs.
In the fourth, the Natives attempted to close the gap but were limited to just one run. The Bears answered with three more, highlighted by Dennis Cabrera’s two-RBI triple, to tighten their grip, 15-3.
With the 10-run mercy rule in effect, the Natives were forced to rally to stay in the game and nearly succeeded as they loaded the bases. But with two outs already in the bag, the Bears shut the door, as shortstop Cabrera fielded a grounder and threw out the runner at first to seal the win after just four innings.
