Brewers begin title defense this Monday

Powerhouse Miller Lite Brewers will begin their Saipan Major League title defense this Monday, March 7, opening the 2005 season against rival and last year’s runner-up Northern Yankees.

This according to league coordinator Tony Rogolifoi, who disclosed yesterday that the lights at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field were realigned this past weekend and are okay to host night games.

Rogolifoi, however, noted that only half of the lights would shine down onto the field as the other half is still in need of new bulbs.

“But its still okay to play for now,” Rogolifoi said.

Aside from the 2003 champions Yankees, other teams that are intent in dethroning the Brewers are the Ford Rangers—formerly Pirates—San Antonio Mets, and Toyota Tacoma.

Rogolifoi said two other teams, Bud Kings and Aikido Masters, have expressed interest in competing in the league, however, their slots are still pending because of their non-payment of the $1,200 entrance fee.

Games will be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with the first pitch for each game scheduled for 6:30pm. The mentioned time will also serve as forfeit time, according to Rogolifoi.

The regular season will feature two rounds, and if the Kings and Masters settle their entrance with the league, each team will have 12 games before the start of the playoffs.

Rogolifoi said the top four teams would advance to the best-of-three series playoffs, with the pennant champion taking on the fourth place team and the runner-up facing the third place team.

Winners of the two series would then square off in a best-of-five championship series.

Meanwhile, Rogolifoi said the league would serve as a tune-up for the Aikido Masters for the upcoming Pacific Islanders Masters Tournament in Guam.

The tournament, to be played from June 4 to June 11, will include divisions for players 35-and-over, 40-and-over, and 45-and-over.

Last year, the Brewers returned to championship form and swept the Yankees in their best-of-three series, taking game one 2-0 courtesy of a solid pitching performance by Roy Celis, who struck out 12 batters. Miller Lite then mustered just enough juice to take Game 2, 9-6, and capped their impressive run with an 11-10 victory in Game 3.

For more information on SML or the Masters tryouts, contact Rogolifoi at 664-2508.