The CNMI demolished team Philippines, 10-0 in their first game, beating them via mercy rule in four innings.
“We started well. Everybody was hitting the ball,” said Manager Chel Castro in a phone interview with Variety.
The All-Stars’ victory was attributed to starting pitcher Nathan Camacho, who went 2-for-2 with a double and an out of the park home run.
Camacho struck his two-run homer in the bottom of the first, driving him and Jadrien Camacho home.
“He struck out around eight or nine. We came empty in the second inning, scored three runs in the third inning, and scored one run in the fourth,” Castro added.
Virgil Secharmidal drew the CNMI’s first out, Craig Aguon hit a triple to left center, and Roke Tenorio followed with an RBI single. Tenorio went 2-for-2 with one single and triple.
Yesterday, the All-Stars fell to Korea, 8-0 in six innings.
“They (Korea) used around five pitchers. Every time we got a hit, they’d switch their pitcher,” said Castro.
CNMI’s Franco Nakamura pitched for the first two innings before switching with Jadrien Camacho.
According to Castro, the All-Stars must win their next two games to reach the playoffs on Thursday. They will play team Hong Kong today. Hong Kong currently has two losses – one from Guam (4-1) and another from the Philippines (6-5).
“The players just need to start hitting the ball. We just have to play one inning at a time. We have to come out prepared,” said Castro.
Team CNMI will take a break tomorrow before playing Guam on Wednesday. The top two teams from Pools A and B will advance to Thursday’s playoffs. The championship round is set for Friday.
Joining the All-Stars in Pool B are Guam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Korea. Pool A includes Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and New Zealand.
In other games last Saturday, New Zealand lost to Thailand, 4-1. Taiwan defeated Australia, 9-4. Singapore downed Indonesia, 6-0.
All-Stars receive aid
The CNMI Little League All-Stars, plagued by financial obstacles en route to the regionals, also received aid from various private companies around the island.
Among them is P&A Corporation, which donated $500 to the team prior to their departure last Friday.
“We are very happy for team CNMI. Hopefully they win,” said P&A president Hong Kyun Kim.
The Little Leaguers received another $500 from Pacific Amusement Inc., in addition to $1,200 from Floor Leader George Camacho.
The team would also like to thank Juan Santiago, the Torres Brothers, Ralph Torres, and Bomat Corporation.
