Aimeliik Bat Boyz’s Irvin Saralu (not Jimmy Demapan as earlier reported) connects a double during the championship game of the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
THE Aimeliik Bat Boyz claimed the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League title after going the distance in a best-of-three championship series against Just4Fun at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
In game 1, Just4Fun reigned supreme as they showcased their power behind their swing. Although Aimeliik drew first blood with three runs in the opening inning, Just4Fun unleashed five homeruns as Nate Camacho led the assault with a two-run homer to grasp the lead, 6-3.
Their lead continued to grow with three runs added in the bottom of the second and four more in the third while Aimeliik could only score one run.
Just4Fun continued their “homerun derby” led by Brian Camacho, who hit five homeruns to secure a double-digit victory, 33-13.
Game 2
But Aimeliik bounced back in game 2.
It was a slow start, but Aimeliik were in the driver’s seat, 4-0, after three complete innings. Then, in the top of the fourth, Just4Fun finally broke their silence with three runs scored off two homeruns, but Aimeliik notched three runs of their own to remain afloat, 7-3.
In the top of the fifth inning, Just4Fun added six runs to close the distance, but, once again, Aimeliik returned fire with five runs to maintain control, 12-9.
Just4Fun tried their best to close the gap with four runs, but Aimeliik held their ground with three runs to seal the deal, 15-13.
Game 3
The third and final game was a test of strength and stamina.
Both teams were evenly matched and were tied 3-3 after the first inning. Aimeliik then heated up in the top of the second with 11 runs highlighted by Henry Fleming’s three-run homer to grasp the upper hand, 14-8.
The lead continued to grow as Aimeliik scored more homeruns in the next two innings, but Just4Fun was not going down without a fight as they got back within reach with 11 runs.
However, they were held to just two more runs in the seventh and final inning and had to eventually bow down to Aimeliik, 27-32.
“Honestly, we all met outside of the league — we didn’t even know each other’s names. This is like a Cinderella story,” said Aimeliik Coach Henry Sablan (not Sudon as earlier reported), referring to his team.
“And to tell you the truth, this team [Just4Fun] is the team to beat,” he added.
Aimeliik Bat Boyz pose with the championship trophy of the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
