After a scoreless eight innings, Tyrone Omar drove Eric Tenorio to home plate and advanced Keoni Lizama to second.
“Josh Jones pitched a spectacular game, striking out 14 Palauan batters,” said manager Tony Rogolifoi in an email to Variety.
The former Saipan Little League pitcher allowed four hits and walked two.
“We had opportunities to close out the game earlier with runners in scoring position but we couldn’t capitalize,” said Rogolifoi.
“In the bottom of the seventh, with Juan Maratita on second representing the winning run, CNMI slugger and team captain Manny Sablan was intentionally walked. The strategy worked in Palau’s favor when first baseman Byron Kaipat was forced out on a ground ball to second.”
In the same inning, Miguel Iguel hit a fly out to centerfield.
“All starting nine players had a hit each except Eric Tenorio, but he came in big time when the game was on the line,” added Rogolifoi.”
Team CNMI will play New Caledonia for their second game today. They will face Guam on Friday, American Samoa on Saturday, and Fiji on Monday.
Outrunning Fiji, 11-1 yesterday, Guam leads in the standings with two wins and no losses.
“Guam is always a threat and we will try and our best to beat them. New Caledonia, Fiji, and American Samoa are also improving and we will not take them lightly. So far the weather is good here and we are looking forward to taking it one at a time,” said Rogolifoi.
Also representing the CNMI were Jesus Iguel and Jerome Delos Santos.
