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CNMI needs win vs Canada
CNMI players and officials pose for a photo before their game in the World Series in Easley, South Carolina, yesterday. (Contributed Photo)
The CNMI is in a must-win situation in its game against Canada this morning after losing its opening match in the World Series in Easley, South Carolina.
Latin America, represented by Cardenales Little League from Venezuela, handed the Asia Pacific champions a 7-0 beating yesterday morning in one of the two games played at the international bracket.
With the loss, the CNMI fell to the loser’s bracket and needs to win against Canada to remain in contention. Canada also dropped its opening game to Europe-Africa (Emilia Romagna LL of Bologna, Italy) with the latter posting a close 2-1 win. Latin America, on the other hand, topped Australia (Cronulla LL of Sydney), 4-2, to set up a date against the CNMI.
The Commonwealth crew drew a bye in the first round, joining Caribbean to Round 2, while the latter defeated Europe-Africa yesterday, 11-10, to move two wins away from advancing to the finals. Caribbean will face Latin America tomorrow in the winner’s bracket semifinals.
Latin America also boosted its chances in the tournament after shutting down the CNMI.
Daniel Perez pitched for the winning team, allowing only three hits and striking out eight. Pedro Maratita started out for the CNMI and worked the mound for three innings. He fanned three batters before being relieved by J.P. Celis, whose pitching duties lasted for only two innings, as Jordan Babauta came in to finish things out for the Asia Pacific champions.
The CNMI gave up three runs each in the second and sixth inning, while Latin American added one more at the top of the seventh.
Meanwhile, Celis was featured on a local TV in Easley a day before the CNMI had its debut in the tournament.
The pitcher was reunited with his brother, Ton, after not seeing each other for seven years and their reunion at the J.B. Red Owens Baseball Complex was aired by FOX (Carolina). Justin was throwing from the mound, not knowing it was his sibling doing the catch. The brothers shared a big hug after Ton removed his mask and revealed the big surprise for J.P. Ton came all the way from the state of Washington to see his sibling and wish him and the team good luck.
