The Cardinals pose for a photo after winning the 2023 Tan Holdings Saipan Baseball League championship with an undefeated record on Wednesday evening at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
The Cardinals’ Brian Camacho is about to pitch against the Junior Nationals during game 2 of the 2023 Tan Holdings Saipan Baseball League championship series on Wednesday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
THE Cardinals won the 2023 Tan Holdings Saipan Baseball League championship with an undefeated record after defeating the Junior Nationals, 11-5, in game 2 of their best-of-three series on Wednesday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
The Cardinals, who won game 1 on Monday, gave it their all in their second game against the Junior Nationals.
In the first inning, the Cardinals’ Nokki Saralu capitalized off a defensive error.
In the top of the third, his teammate Brian Camacho’s earned run brought in Poland Masaharu for an RBI double.
The Junior Nationals managed to break their silence with a solo run thanks to Achilles Evangelista’s RBI single to remain within reach, 1-2.
But in the top of the fourth, the Cardinals retaliated with three runs aided by an RBI single by Shane Yamada, a sacrifice fly by Nokki Saralu, and an RBI double by Poland Masaharu. Two more runs were added by the Cardinals in the top of the sixth to further stretch the deficit, 7-1.
The Junior Nationals remained persistent and were rewarded in the bottom of the sixth with three hard-earned runs and a solo run in the seventh, but the Cardinals squeezed in a run as well to remain in the lead, 8-5.
The Junior Nationals tried to stay alive, but all hope was lost in the ninth and final inning as the Cardinals finished strong with three more runs before collecting three consecutive outs to secure the win, 11-5, the championship, and a perfect season.
‘It was all teamwork’
“This team has been together for a while, so they don’t play as individuals,” said Cardinals Coach Juan Manibusan.
He said teamwork and pitching were part of their go-to strategy to defeat the younger team. “Offense and defense — it was all teamwork. Pitching was the strategy: fast, slow, then fast again. We have so many pitchers in our roster.”
For the batting champion, Nokki Saralu, their love for the game was key to winning the title.
“Man, we came a long way,” he said. “Practice, practice, practice — that made the difference. It was more of communication and team chemistry.”
When asked about the return of baseball on island, he said, “It’s great man! It’s been a while but it’s good to have everyone out and see the support. Thank you for the continued support and the love for the players. It was a great season, and we got the [title] so I can’t complain. Next week we are going to practice again — we’re not done.”
Saralu said the future of local baseball “looks really bright.” Regarding the Junor Nationals, he said: “These guys are really competitive. They just have to work a little more because they are still young.”
