CNMI nips Palau in extra innings

Sweet revenge.

The CNMI escaped with a 1-0 win in its early rematch against Palau, surviving a nine-inning debut in the 2011 Pacific Games yesterday at the Baseball Mont-Dore in Mont-Dore, New Caledonia.

The victory avenged the Commonwealth’s 3-7 loss to Palau in the gold medal game of the 2010 Micronesian Games.

Eric Tenorio scored the winning run for the CNMI at the bottom of the ninth inning, while pitcher Joshua Jones was steady on the mound, recording 14 strikeouts and allowing only four hits in a complete game shutout.

With Jones in his usual form and the CNMI defense holding on, Palau went scoreless and was limited to three hits after eight innings.

Then at the top of the ninth, two quick fly outs from Avery Amos and Reagan Sidoi doomed Palau’s chances to break into the scoreboard. Third batter Melngis Uchel walked and moved to second off a CNMI throwing error to stay alive. Palau then was one step away from reaching home plate when Rodrick Blangco singled and drove Uchel to third. However, the CNMI’s defense showed up anew in the ensuing play, catching a fly ball from Anthony Blaluk at center field.

When it was the Commonwealth’s turn at bat at the bottom of the night, Tenorio had a walk, while Jesus Iguel flied out to center. Next up for the CNMI was Keono Lizama, who singled to right field, allowing Tenorio to reach third base.

With only one out and runners on second and third, Tyrone Omar stepped up to the plate and made it to first off a fielder’s choice. Tenorio reached home plate of Omar’s RBI.

With its debut victory, the CNMI is now in second place in the six-team field behind unbeaten Guam (2-0). Guam notched its second win after downing Fiji in the other game yesterday, 11-2. Fiji dropped to a 1-1 record for third place, followed by American Samoa (0-1), Palau (0-1), and New Caledonia (0-1).

Baseball games will continue today with the manager Tony Rogolifoi’s wards taking on New Caledonia in the second match at 1pm (12nn Saipan Time). In the first match at 9am, Palau will face American Samoa.

The CNMI sluggers were the first ones to compete in the Games, as the Commonwealth golfers, beach volleyball players, and athletics bets will not be seeing action in New Caledonia until this weekend.

Meanwhile, Tahiti won the first gold medal of the Games after its women’s va’a (canoe) team topped the V6 500m race last Monday.

Tahiti’s female paddlers also dominated the women’s 1,500m race, while its men’s team swept the 500m and 1,500m events.

With Tahiti grabbing four gold medals in the va’s competition, it took the early lead in the medal standings. As of 7pm yesterday, the 2011 Pacific Games website showed Tahiti with its 6-3-1 gold-silver-bronze haul. Host New Caledonia is in second place with its 2-2-1 tally, followed by Tonga (2-0-1), Fiji (1-1-1), Papua New Guinea (1-0-1), Samoa (0-3-4), Guam (0-2-1), and Solomon Islands (0-0-1). In all, 296 gold medals are up for grabs in the 15-day competition.