The St. Michael’s Angels thrived on seven walks before collapsing, 9-4 in nine innings.
Third baseman Toi Celis (3-for-6) was the Brewers’ star hitter, along with regular season batting leader Byron Kaipat.
The Brewers endured an empty three innings before landing their first run on Asap Wabol’s sacrifice fly.
A six-run rally worsened things for the Angels, who were down, 7-0 in the top of the sixth. Tony Rogolifoi Jr. and Celis struck run-scoring singles while Manny Sablan advanced on an RBI walk.
The Angels replied with two runs from Tyrone Omar and Jesus Iguel, but it was too late.
At the top of the eighth, Kaipat drove Celis in on another single. Second baseman Mike Taitano bagged the Brewers’ ninth run in the final inning.
Angels’ Franco Flores squeezed in only three strikeouts and walked four.
Both teams eliminated the Shell Fielders and D-9ers in last week’s best-of-three semifinals. Game two will start tonight.
