The players of Sweet Rolls pose for a photo with Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho and the championship trophy of the 2024 Mayor’s Youth Softball Cup at the Capital Hill baseball field on Sunday.
Sweet Rolls shortstop Achilles Evangelista, throws to second baseman MJ Tudela for the out during a game of the 2024 Mayor’s Youth Softball Cup at the Capital Hill baseball field on Sunday.
SWEET Rolls won the first ever Mayor’s Youth Softball Cup on Sunday after outhustling the Buccaneers in the championship game, 13-5, at the Capital Hill baseball field.
Both teams displayed defensive awareness and allowed only one runner on base in the opening inning.
The Buccaneers drew first blood in the top of the second inning as Keahie Jo brought in Tristan Sablan for an RBI single. Sweet Rolls responded with four runs led by Noah Iguel’s two-run homer and Dizzle Diaz’s RBI double to seize the lead, 4-1.
The Buccaneers hit a solo run in the top of the third, but Sweet Rolls kept the momentum burning with solo homeruns by Justin Igitol and Achilles Evangelista to maintain the safe distance, 6-2.
In the next two innings, the Buccaneers fell into an offensive drought while Sweet Rolls continued to extend the gap with five runs in the fourth that included Evangelista’s second homerun followed by Iguel’s second two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning for a 13-2 lead.
The Buccaneers finally got out of the offensive slump in the top of the seventh and final inning with a three-run homer by Damian Pangelinan. But Sweet Rolls managed to stop the bleeding with Evangelista picking off a runner on second base for the third out to secure the victory and the championship, 13-5.
Sweet Rolls’ roster consista of Jon Diaz, Justin Igitol, Andre Jones, Noah Iguel, Dizzle Diaz, Brandon Tenorio, Jayda Norita, Greg Perez, Pia Ngewakl, Anthony Kubo, Terrel Rabago, Achilles Evangelista, MJ Tudela, Christopher Pangelinan, Ernie Teigita and Zoe Macaranas.
The Buccaneers are Dylan Lieto, Marino Santos, Lance Acosta, Tristan Sablan, Jared Reyes, Jahsmin Ramon, Keahie Jo, Damian Pangelinan, Derenz Castro, Delton Lieto, Isabella Teigita and PJ Chipuelong.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho organized the youth tournament so that the youth from different precincts can build friendships and camaraderie with each other.
“I want to cure crime and promote a healthier lifestyle — I want to occupy them physically,” the mayor said. “We need to guide our youth along the right path as we always mention that they are the future leaders.”
The mayor aims to make the tournament an annual event. He also wants this year’s champion, Sweet Rolls, to play against a team from the Belau Amateur Softball Association League.
Mayor Camacho also recognized the support of parents. “I thank them for supporting their children who participate in a good cause through sports. Again, my program is to promote a safe community, safe villages and a cleaner island.”
