Make-or-break game for CNMI

The Commonwealth youth sluggers had a bye yesterday and spent it mostly resting up at the hotel in preparation for the big showdown with their island neighbor. A larger crowd is expected to witness the do-or-die game between the longtime rivals at 11:30am

Guam defeated the Philippines, 14-3, in yesterday’s opener and improved its card 2-1 for second place in Pool B behind the undefeated Korea (3-0), which is assured of the first semis slot in the group after shutting out Hong Kong (1-3), 10-0. The CNMI completes Pool B and holds a 1-2 slate for a tie for third place with the Philippines (1-2), but would still advance to next round with a head-to-head win over Guam.

By rule, the head-to-head result serves as the tiebreaker, so if CNMI sluggers win, they are in and would most likely face defending champion and Pool A top finisher Chinese Taipei (4-0) in tomorrow’s playoffs.

The CNMI got off to a rousing start in the ASPAC when it shut out the Philippines last Saturday, 10-0, before absorbing back-to-back losses at the hands of Korea (0-8) and Hong Kong (5-8).

After showing early signs of success in its first game, the Commonwealt’s offense stalled in the next two matches. The team did mount a five-run comeback attempt late in its last match against Hong Kong and hopes to build on that momentum in today’s game.

“We batted through the line up right out of the gate because the boys were so excited upon arrival. Then our next two games started a bit earlier, which may have played a factor in the slump, but the late surge in against Hong Kong was a good sign and we hope it carries over against Guam,” assistant coach George Camacho said in a team meeting yesterday.

“We are going to stick to our game plan and have readied our pitching rotation,” Camacho added.

Head coach Randall Aguon added playing against their rival will be a good motivation for the team.

“The team is healthy and strong. We are regrouping today and they are anxious to compete come game time. The rivalry will also wake them up,” Aguon said.

In its first three games, CNMI’s pitching has been its strongest component and its offense has shown signs of success, although inconsistent.

Facing a must-win situation, the Commonwealth may delve deep into its bench, which includes the Saipan Little League’s Top 3 batters—Cedric Camacho, Perry Celis, and Juan Quitugua—who have been mysteriously conserved in the first three matches. CNMI plans on giving the ball to pitchers Nathan Camacho and Franco Nakamura in today’s bout against Guam.

Meanwhile, in other results yesterday, Taipei knocked off Thailand 13-3; New Zealand took down Singapore, 7-3; and Australia beat Indonesia, 13-1, in four innings. Taipei takes on Indonesia today 8:30am; Korea faces the Philippines at 9am; Thailand challenges Singapore at 11am; and Australia battles New Zealand at 1:30pm.

A win over Thailand will give Singapore the second semis berths in Pool A, while a loss coupled with Australia’s victory over New Zealand will create a three-way tie for the last playoff seat.