Blue Jays’ J-Boy Deleon Guerrero slides back to first base, beating Marlins’ first baseman Shine Tenorio in a pickoff attempt during a playoff game of the 2024 SBL Masters League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday.
Blue Jays’ shortstop Shawn Matsutaro attempts to secure an incoming grounder during a playoff game against the Marlins in the 2024 SBL Masters League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday.
THE Blue Jays are the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs in the 2024 SBL Masters League after dominating the Marlins, 15-0, at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday.
In the Blue Jays’ first at-bat, Shawn Matsutaro struck out, but what followed was a two-RBI triple by teammate J-Boy Deleon Guerrero. Dominic Hideo then singled, driving in two RBIs and bringing in Marino Hiroichi Jr. and Ben Pangelinan for a 6-0 lead.
The Blue Jays’ performance was not only effective offensively but defensively as well, thanks to pitcher Kevin Kapileo, who was a major contributor to their shutout victory, averaging one strikeout per inning.
The Marlins remained silent throughout the game, while the Blue Jays racked up runs over the next three innings.
Deleon Guerrero continued his dominance at the plate, earning an RBI double, while teammate Jun Salalila hit an RBI single to add three runs in the second inning. Four more runs followed in the next inning, highlighted by Salalila’s three-RBI double, giving his team a commanding 13-0 lead.
The Blue Jays scored two more runs in the top of the fourth, while in the bottom half, Kapileo struck out three consecutive batters to seal the deal, 15-0, and secure his team’s spot in the playoffs, where they will face the No. 1 team, the Pirates.
