The Athletics pose for a group photo after winning a game in the 2025 Saipan Baseball League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
Contributed photo
THE Athletics remain one of the few teams yet to taste defeat in the 2025 Saipan Baseball League, collecting their third consecutive win of the season after beating the Padres, 8-6, in a game Friday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
Playing as the home team, the Athletics took advantage early, allowing just one Padres runner to reach base before recording three quick outs in the top of the first inning. In the bottom half, they seized control, with Kazu Dela Cruz driving in JP Sablan with an RBI single to seize the lead, 1-0.
In the second inning, the Padres’ aggressive approach paid off as Frankie Lifoifoi stole home to tie the game. However, the Athletics responded forcefully with a four-run burst, highlighted by JP Sablan’s two-RBI double, to regain a comfortable lead, 5-1.
The Padres stayed in the fight, scoring a run each in the top of the third and fifth innings. But the Athletics matched them with two runs in the bottom of the third and another in the fourth to maintain a firm grip on the game after five innings, 8-3.
A potential comeback brewed in the top of the sixth, with Arby Yaguel, Tony Salas, and Darion Jones each contributing a run and an RBI to bring the Padres within striking distance, 8-6. Meanwhile, the Athletics’ bats went silent for two straight innings.
The Padres’ rally ultimately fell short, as the Athletics allowed just one baserunner in the top of the seventh before retiring three straight to seal the win — leaving the bottom of the final inning untouched, 8-6.
