Blue Jays catcher Rick Bauer tags out a runner attempting to score during a game in the 2024 SBL Masters League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
IN a showdown between the top two teams, the Blue Jays fended off the Dodgers, 9-8, during a game in the 2024 SBL Masters League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday night.
It was a fairly even contest, with both teams exchanging the lead several times throughout the game.
In the first inning, the Blue Jays allowed the Dodgers only one hit before handing three outs. In the bottom half, the Blue Jays’ Jun Salalila hit a single, which brought in first at bat Shawn Matsutaro and earned him an RBI to give their team the lead, 1-0.
The Dodgers returned to the top of the second inning with a purpose, connecting hits and stealing bases to bring in four runs led by Derek Aguon’s two-RBI. While the Blue Jays remained silent, the Dodgers added three more runs in the following inning to extend the deficit, 7-1.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Dodgers tried to put the game out of reach and squeezed in one run. After three scoreless innings, the Blue Jays found their second wind and began their late-game comeback starting with two runs scored in the bottom half.
Riding the momentum into the sixth inning, the Blue Jays shut down the Dodgers with a strong defensive display, collecting three consecutive outs. This was followed by a five-run rally, highlighted by Alvin Takai’s three-RBI double, which tied the game at 8-8.
In the seventh and final inning, the Dodgers’ Glen Camacho and Bansil capitalized on infield errors, advancing to third and second bases. However, Blue Jays shortstop Matsutaro secured a grounder and picked off the runner at second base for the third out.
In the bottom half of the inning, Harlan Reyes hit a single that brought in Rick Bauer, and the Blue Jays walked off with the victory, 9-8.
