THE Ngarrard Red Men advanced to the playoffs of the 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball League by upsetting top seed SUFA, 9-6, Sunday at the Dandan baseball field.
SUFA gained the early advantage after Audie Maratita connected a solo homerun in his first at bat, 1-0.
In the bottom of the second inning, the Red Men’s Jason Reyes ignited the team’s momentum with an RBI single, bringing Joe Quitugua home to even the score.
Reyes and Red Iskawa rounded the bases not long after SUFA failed to secure the ball, allowing the Red Men to slip away with two runs via errors for a 3-1 lead.
SUFA tried to work their way back but were held to just one run that was delivered by Maratita who earned an RBI single in the top of the third inning. However, in the bottom of the fifth, Iskawa earned an RBI that allowed the Red Men to maintain the lead, 4-2.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Red Men showcased their strength starting with Lefty Shiro who connected a solo homerun. Pangelinan followed suit, bringing in two to the home plate along with himself. Team mate Mike Tomokane then hit another solo homerun to widen their lead, 9-2.
SUFA had one last chance to stay alive in the top of the seventh and final inning. They gave it their all, scoring four runs, including Paul Salalila’s three-run homer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as Shiro caught the line drive to left field for the third out to hand the Red Men victory, 9-6.
Other games
The Man Amigos also advanced after outscoring Tokahao, 18-12; Peleliu slipped past Momma Charo, 12-8; and Hagu La’mun trounced Asahi, 15-5.
Asahi’s Edgar Ito connects a hit during a 2023 Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball League game at the Dandan baseball field.
