By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE 2026 Saipan Little League featured offensive explosions, pitching battles and defensive struggles on Sunday, as the Braves, Cobras and Dodgers defeated their respective opponents to advance further in the Majors Division playoffs at Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan Ball Field.
The Braves delivered a dominant offensive performance against the Falcons, cruising to a 25-2 victory in a game shortened to three innings under the mercy rule.
Braves hitters were aggressive from the opening pitch, scoring 14 runs in the first inning and 11 more in the second to overwhelm their opponents.
The Braves collected 22 hits as a team, highlighted by home runs from D. Sablan and C. Reyes. Sablan had a standout performance, going 4-for-4 with three runs scored and seven RBIs, while Reyes finished 3-for-4 with four runs and four RBIs. J. Cabrera II also contributed, driving in three runs on two hits.
The Cobras used a balanced offensive attack and disciplined plate approach to defeat the Blue Jays 15-8 in a six-inning contest.
The Cobras drew 12 walks from the Blue Jays pitching staff to help generate consistent offense, scoring five runs in the first inning to set the tone.
The Blue Jays responded with a four-run rally in the bottom of the second inning, but the Cobras regained control in the third with four runs of their own to take a 9-4 lead. The Blue Jays added four more runs over the final innings, but the Cobras pulled away with six additional runs to secure the win.
In the most competitive game of the day, the Dodgers staged a late surge to defeat the Cubs 14-10. The teams traded leads through five innings before the Dodgers broke an 8-10 deficit with a six-run rally in the top of the sixth.
The Cubs managed just three hits but stayed competitive by drawing 12 walks. However, defensive miscues proved costly, as the Dodgers held the Cubs scoreless in the bottom of the sixth to seal the 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.
