Just4Fun’s Shane Yamada reaches to secure the grounder during a playoff game of the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
Saipal’s Dominic Hideo connects the three-run homer during a playoff game of the 2023 Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League at the Dandan baseball field on Sunday.
JUST4Fun advanced to the semifinal round of the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association Open League on Sunday after slipping past Saipal, 22-21, at the Dandan baseball field.
Saipal drew first blood in the top of the opening inning with the first run delivered by the third at bat, Troy Laniyo, who connected a single to bring in Dennis Cruz along with an RBI. Saipal’s Dominic Hideo kept the momentum burning with a three-run homer while teammate Jerald Cabrera followed up with a solo homerun before Just4Fun could stop the bleeding, 5-0.
In the bottom of the first, Just4Fun’s Jordan Suel unleashed a grand slam to get back within reach, 4-5.
Saipal tried to regain the comfortable distance with a single run in the top of the second, but Just4Fun’s Shane Yamada hit a two-run homer for the first deadlock of the day.
The battle for control continued in the third inning with a three-run homer delivered by Saipal’s Syl Kapileo, but, once again, Just4Fun evened the score, 9-9, with solo homeruns by Nate Camacho and Suel and an RBI double courtesy of Keith Kintol.
In the sixth inning, Just4Fun allowed Saipal only one run while bringing in six — five from homeruns — to seize the lead for the first time, 21-17.
In the seventh and final inning, Saipal scored four runs before Just4Fun’s left outfielder, PJ Masaharu, caught the third out to secure the win for Just4Fun, 22-21.
Kebruka vs Mamaaw
Kebruka, for their part, outlasted Mamaaw, 21-20.
