Although the Fielders proved their might as well when they defeated the Ol’ Aces in the playoff, the Lions’ dug out and the bleacher were jubilating like the game was over when short stop Ricardo Dela Cruz rocketed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to stretch their lead, 6-2.
The Lions did not trail, and with the help from their two raging pitchers, Greg Iskawa and Dominic Chargualaf, they won the 2010 Saipan Little League senior division championship title.
Ricardo and second baseman, LJ Norita caught fly balls and run Anthony David down to keep the Fielders scoreless in the top of the fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth, Leo Blas’ pop out narrowly escaped the outfielder’s mitt to connect a run-scoring single stretching their lead to five.
The Fielders rallied in the sixth with Nathan Guerrero and Marvin Ngeskebei knocking in a run-scoring single to cut the Lions’ lead to two.
With two base runners—one in the first and the other in the second base—ready to go, Lions reliever Dominic Chargualaf was in a three balls and two strikes situation.
His final pitch went just precise to strike David out and protect their two-point lead.
The Lions fielded the Fielders just as well in the seventh to secure their championship title.
Lions coach Syl Ada said it was their first championship victory as far as he knew. It was fortunate, he said that although they never beat power house Ol’ Aces, the team (Fielders) that did it are somebody they are confident to beat.
We have three All-Stars caliber players who helped us a lot. Ada said referring to Iskawa, Ricardo and Chargualaf.
Meanwhile in the awarding after the game, the Ol’ Aces, aside from getting the pennant trophy, also reaped individual awards.
Lamarc Iguel was awarded the regular season MVP, the batting and home run champion; Jesse Yamagishi, triples champion, Harry Nakamura RBI champion and Jake Santos ERA champion.
From the Hustlers, Jeremy Lizama won the doubles championship award and Hunters’ Joseph Palacios the strikeout championship.
Lions’ Ricardo Dela Cruz is the 2010 senior league championship MVP.
This year’s pennant champions are Ol’ Aces’ Diego Camacho, Anthony Flores, Lamarc Iguel, David Hosono II, Felipe Litulumar, Kraven Lizama, Harry Nakamura, Jake Santos, Rocco Reyes, Thyse Tutiy, Anthony Sablan, Leonard Sablan, Keoni Lizama and Jesse Yamagishi.
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