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Falcons’ Jones holds down Starz in 10th
Closer Dave Jones pitched two shutout innings to lift the Falcons to a 16-10 win over the North Starz in another extra inning game in the Saipan Baseball League last Wednesday night at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field.
Falcons pitcher Ton Benavente waits for catcher Peter Lieto’s signal in their game against the North Starz in the 2015 Saipan Baseball League last Wednesday night at the Francisco M. “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
(Jon Perez)
The win was the third for the Falcons, the 2007 SBL champions, to join reigning titlists GSM Brewers on top of the standings. The Starz, after a 10-4 triumph against the Jets last week, dropped to 1-3.
Jones gave up one hit, a single to E.J. Tenorio in the bottom of the ninth, with no walks while striking out four. He quickly retired the Starz’s batting order in the 10th to end their opponents’ comeback bid.
It was a seesaw battle with the North Starz enjoying a 10-6 lead heading into the top of the seventh. They never scored after that while their bullpen scored 10 times including a six-run 10th-inning barrage.
The Falcons scored six runs in the top of the 10th with Darren Pua leading off with a walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a passed ball. Alex Benavente’s two-RBI single capped off the inning.
Jones then came on the mound and struck out Chad Atalig, Nick Cruz, and Wally Emul to seal the Falcons’ win.
Benavente went 3-for-6 with four RBIs while Haini Blas batted 2-for-6 with two runs, a double and two RBIs. Peter Lieto scored twice and had a double in 2-for-6 at bat.
Tony Benavente lasted five innings for the Falcons giving up six runs, three earned, on eight hits, while walking three and fanning six. Aaron Benavente pitched two innings in relief and was tagged with four runs on five hits with two walks and one strikeout.
Chad Atalig went 4-for-6 for the North Starz but was stranded on base most of the time. Ricardo Dela Cruz, who was hit by pitch twice, scored three runs on a 1-for-4 batting.
Games today will have the IP&E Fielders taking on the Yankees, who will face the Falcons on Monday, Feb. 9. Both matches start at 7pm at the Tan Ko ball field.
