CNMI skunks New Zealand, 11-0

The CNMI Major All-Stars vent out their frustration against New Zealand as they sheared the Kiwis, 11-0, in Day 4 of the 2008 Little League Asia-Pacific Tournament Tuesday at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

After consecutive losses to Australia and archrival Guam the past two days, there was more zing on the bats and spring on the steps of the CNMI players as they dominated New Zealand from the get-go to level its win-loss standing to 2-2 in a tie with Indonesia and Australia.

Other Day 4 results in the Pacific Pool saw the Philippines earn its first win of the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Australia and Guam advance to the title game with a 3-2 nipping of Indonesia.

Host Hong Kong, meanwhile, assumed the leadership in the Asia Pool after putting up a 42-0 drubbing of tourney newcomer India. The eye-popping win, combined with South Korea’s 4-2 upset victory against defending champion Chinese-Taipei, means the latter would be in a must-win situation against Hong Kong in the final day of the eliminations yesterday. Other Asia Pool result Tuesday saw Thailand beat China, 5-2.

Hong Kong, as aforementioned, is in solo first with a 4-0 mark, followed by Chinese-Taipei and South Korea at 3-1. Thailand sports a 2-2 mark, while China and India share the cellar with four losses in as many games.

The CNMI Little Leaguers wrapped up their elimination round assignment against Indonesia yesterday, but results were not available as of press time.

The local clouters need to beat the Indons yesterday and hope Guam beats Australia to at least salvage a chance to take third place in the 2008 Little League Asia-Pacific Tournament.

Runner-up in the Pacific Pool takes on the runner-up in the Asia Pool for third place bragging rights today and will be immediately followed by the championship game.

The winner of the 2008 Little League Asia-Pacific Tournament will qualify to compete in the 2008 Little League Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, later this summer.

Making up the CNMI Major League All-Stars for the 2008 Little League Asia-Pacific Tournament are Jeremy Rabauliman, Chris Mizer, A.J. Lizama, Ricky Joe Riungel, A.J. Castro, Jared Sablan, Jun Rabauliman, Raymond Saralu, A.J. Lizama, Frankie Camacho, Jonah Flores, Jerome Reyes, Keene Deleon Guerrero, Jeremy Lizama, and Poland Masaharu

Randall Aguon serves as manager and helping him in the dugout are head coach Elmer Sablan and assistant coach Manny Sablan.

Saipan’s best 9-12-year-old ballplayers booked a ticket to the 2008 Little League Asia-Pacific Tournament after beating Rota, 11-1, last June 12 at the Joaquin Ogo Sr. Baseball Field in Sinapalo.

The Little League is a non-profit organization with the objective of promoting health and integrity among the young by organizing baseball events.