BLUE Jays Jr. escaped the clutches of Bears Jr., 9-8, in a nail-biting junior division game of the 2025 Saipan Little League Baseball at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Saturday.
Blue Jays Jr.’s first batter, Gonshiro Sasamoto, advanced around the bases with stolen bases to score before Bears Jr. recorded three consecutive outs.
In the bottom half, Bears Jr. advanced their runners through stolen bases. Thanks to defensive errors by Blue Jays Jr., Laffet Villagomez hit an RBI single, driving in three runs to give Bears Jr. the upper hand at 3-1.
Errors continued to play a major role as Bears Jr. were set back in the second inning, allowing Blue Jays Jr. to pull away with three runs and seize the lead.
However, in the bottom half, Bears Jr. connected on multiple hits and scored four runs with Benedicto Lizama, Villagomez, and Cyrus William each earning an RBI, regaining control with a 7-4 lead.
As the game progressed, the action intensified with both teams scoring one run each in the third inning.
In the top of the fourth inning, Bears Jr. suddenly lost their grip, falling into a defensive slump with infield and pitching errors. This gave Blue Jays Jr. the opportunity to rally, scoring four runs to take the lead at 9-8.
Bears Jr. made one final attempt to seize the lead in the bottom half, nearly succeeding as they loaded the bases. However, Blue Jays Jr. recorded the three outs needed — a 2-5 and 4-3 pickoff and a strikeout — to secure the victory.
Joining the winner’s circle on Saturday were Marlins Jr. who slipped past Comets Jr., 12-11. In the senior division, Comets Sr. outlasted Ol’Aces Sr., 8-7.
Bears Jr.’s Nicko Martin connects a single during a game against Blue Jays Jr. in the junior division of the 2025 Saipan Little League Baseball at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Blue Jays Jr. shortstop Francisco Maratita returns the ball to the pitcher after a successful pick off during a game against Bears Jr. in the junior division of the 2025 Saipan Little League Baseball at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
