Peliliu’s John Terlaje connects a single during a game in the 2024 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association League at the Dandan baseball field.
Photo by Russelle Vicente
PELILIU are still vying for a spot in the top five of the 2024 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association League after pulling a late-game rally to upset Man Amigos, 23-22, and earn their eighth win of the season at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
Man Amigos came out swinging in the top of the opening inning as they showcased their power. After the first at bat James Fleming connected a single, he was quickly brought home safely by Mark Toves, who sent the ball beyond the fences for a two-run homer. Although two outs followed, Manny Sablan managed to join the highlight reel with a solo homerun before turning over the bottom half to Peliliu.
On the defensive end, Man Amigos started with shortstop Peter Sablan catching a flyout for the first out. However, Peliliu gave the Man Amigos a taste of their own medicine as Cartfield Sablan equalized with a two-run homer followed by a two-RBI single by Ben Hocog to snatch control, 4-3.
Riding the momentum, Peliliu continued with the aggressive approach as no runs were allowed in the top of the second inning while adding six runs in the bottom led by Sablan with a three-run homer alongside John Terlaje and Shine Tenorio, who hit a pair of homeruns to make it 10-3.
Dela Cruz tried to rekindle the flames for Man Amigos in the top of the third inning with a three-run homer, but Jude Dickenson replied with a two-run home to keep Peliliu afloat, 12-6.
After five innings, Man Amigos managed to cut the lead, 9-15. But Peliliu had other plans as they squeezed in four runs in the top of the sixth while Man Amigos could only score one.
Down 10-19, Man Amigos’ relentless efforts were finally rewarded in the top of the seventh and final inning with a flurry of homeruns. Manny Sablan ignited the onslaught with a two-run homer while Eric Palacios hit a solo homer and Bill Camacho and Pete Sablan each contributed a two-run homer as their team took over the driver’s seat with 12 runs scored, 23-19.
However, Peliliu returned fire with consistency. Walter Macaranas reignited the flames with a solo homerun followed by a series of singles to load the bases while Man Amigos already had two outs in their pocket.
In a do-or-die moment, Peliliu’s Tiger Salas connected the walk-off single that brought in two runners to secure the upset victory over Man Amigos, 23-22.
Homerun derby
The annual homerun derby also took place Sunday.
In the first round, Asahi’s Taylor Germance and Dom Hideo stole the show with five homeruns each. However, in round 2, the Germance maintained the power behind the swing with four homeruns while Hideo could only record two.
In third place was TutuRamz’s Mike Techur with four homeruns recorded in the first round.
