Pirates catcher Audie Maratita walks back to first base after catching a pop fly during an SBL Masters League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
THE Pirates became the first team to secure a spot in the championship of the SBL Masters League after eliminating the Blue Jays, 20-10, at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday.
The pennant winner did not have the best start as only four players went up to the plate before they turned over the bottom half of the opening inning. The Blue Jays, for their part, excelled by scoring three runs led by Chris George with an RBI triple to seize the lead, 3-0.
The Blue Jays’ time in the spotlight was short-lived, however, as the Pirates took over in the top of the second inning by unleashing 11 runs. The Pirates’ infield pressure was the biggest factor and was highlighted with stolen bases that allowed Derek Sasamoto and Pete Sablan to bag four and two RBIs, respectively, for an 11-3 lead.
Although the Blue Jays managed to slow the bleeding by allowing only three runs in the top of the third, they scored two runs only in the bottom half to remain behind.
In the fourth inning, the Blue Jays silenced the Pirates while George provided two RBIs out of the three runs made as they cut the deficit, 8-14.
But the Pirates found their second wind in the top of the fifth inning and overwhelmed the Blue Jays by stealing bases which led to five runs. The Blue Jays could only score two runs to remain behind, 10-19.
The Pirates then added a run in the sixth with no answer from Blue Jays who had to settle for defeat, 10-20, via the mercy rule.
Today, Thursday, the Dodgers will face the Reds with the winner advancing to vie for the title against the Pirates in a best-of-three championship series. Game 1 will be held on Monday, game 2 on Wednesday, and game 3 on Friday if necessary.
