By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan ballfield was the stage for a historic finish on Saturday as the Little 8ers capped a dominant inaugural season by securing the Saipan Little League Inc.’s Girls with Game 2026 championship title with a stunning 14–10 victory over the Diamond Divas.
It was a hard-fought contest that showcased the growth and spirit of the league’s debut year.
The Little 8ers displayed resilience and solid fundamentals early in the championship game. They came out calm and composed in the top of the first inning, quickly recording three outs, with pitcher Kylee Mira striking out the first two batters. In the bottom half, their offense capitalized on aggressive baserunning and plate discipline, scoring four runs before the Diamond Divas stopped the bleeding.
Despite the early deficit, the Diamond Divas showed heart, responding in the top of the second inning. Taking advantage of walks issued by the Little 8ers, they scored four runs to tie the game, 4–4.
The Diamond Divas carried that momentum into the field, allowing just one run in the bottom half. In the top of the third inning, they continued to capitalize on Little 8ers miscues — including hit batters and infield errors — to add five runs and take the lead.
Their momentum, however, was short-lived as the Little 8ers answered with timely hitting. Proa Hiroichi and Mira each delivered singles to spark a four-run rally, tying the game again at 9–9.
The comeback appeared to stall the Diamond Divas, who were held scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings. The Little 8ers, meanwhile, added two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to build a 14–9 lead.
Facing two outs in the sixth and final inning, the Diamond Divas refused to back down, scoring a run on a defensive error. They later loaded the bases to threaten a comeback, but the Little 8ers recorded the final out to seal the 14–10 victory and claim the inaugural championship.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
