THE Bandits continue to fight for a top-five spot in the 2025 Saipan Baseball League after securing their fifth win of the season against Akkari, 11-3, at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday night.
The Bandits put on a batting clinic in the top of the first inning. The first two batters reached second and third base, creating an early scoring opportunity. Lamarc Iguel then capitalized with an RBI single, bringing home Nico Martin. Harry Nakamura followed with a two-RBI single, scoring John Welson and Iguel, while two more runs came across before the inning ended.
Defensively, the Bandits were nearly impenetrable, allowing only a single hit in the bottom of the first and securing three consecutive outs in the second inning, though they were unable to score in their half.
In the bottom of the third, Akkari finally broke through with three runs, aided by RBIs from Ko Lizama and Troy Laniyo, narrowing the gap. The Bandits quickly answered in the top of the fourth with two runs, pushing Akkari further behind, 7-3. Both teams failed to score in the fifth and sixth innings.
In the top of the seventh and final inning, Coby Santos sealed the victory with a two-RBI single, while two additional runs scored on defensive errors, giving the Bandits an 11-3 win over Akkari.
Bandits’ Lamarc Iguel beats Akkari’s attempted pick off at first base during a Saipan Baseball League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday night.
Bandits third baseman Harry Nakamura tags an Akkari runner during a Saipan Baseball League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday night.
Bandits’ John Welson makes his way home for a scored run during a Saipan Baseball League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday night.
