By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Braves remained unscathed in the Minors Division of the 2026 Saipan Little League Inc. after edging the Dodgers, 7-6, in an intense showdown Saturday at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Ball Field.
The Dodgers got straight to business in their first at-bat, with leadoff hitter Joell Herman getting hit by a pitch, advancing on an error, and stealing third to create an early scoring opportunity. However, the Braves kept their composure as pitcher Chance Reyes struck out the next three batters to end the threat.
Riding that momentum, the Braves capitalized offensively. Lenox Sablan and Dylan Barcinas were both hit by pitches, while Damian Sablan drew a walk to load the bases. A series of infield errors allowed all three runners to score, giving the Braves an early 3-0 lead.
After holding the Dodgers scoreless in the top of the second, the Braves extended their advantage in the bottom half. Nathaniel Neth delivered an RBI double as the Braves added two more runs to stretch the lead to 5-0.
The Dodgers responded in the third inning. Herman and Josh McDonald hit singles to spark a rally, with Quinton Muna driving in a run with an RBI single. Additional runs came off wild pitches and a fielder’s choice, allowing the Dodgers to pull within one, 5-4.
The Braves answered in the fourth. Nate Nakai ignited the offense with an RBI triple that scored Barcinas, then later crossed home on a passed ball to push the lead to 7-4.
The Dodgers mounted another comeback attempt in the fifth, highlighted by Elijah Pelisamen’s RBI double, scoring two runs to close the gap to 7-6. They also held the Braves scoreless in the bottom half.
However, the Dodgers were unable to complete the rally, as they struck out in order in the top of the sixth inning, sealing the Braves’ victory.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
