Puerto Rico no-hits CNMI in 19-0 shutout

The CNMI was shutout by Puerto Rico, 19-0, as the 2008 Big League World Series continued yesterday at the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex in Easley, South Carolina.

Latin America I champion’s starting pitcher Angel Santiago recorded a no-hit complete game as the local Big Leaguers fell to their second straight mercy run-shortened loss, which followed their 1-16 setback against the Dominican Republic last Sunday.

Like its first game against the Latin America II champions, the Asia-Pacific champions struggled from the batter’s box, but unlike their 1-16 mercy run-shortened loss against the boys from Pontezuela, the CNMI was not able to score against the seemingly un-hittable Santiago.

The local Big Leaguers again trailed big early as Gabriel Vargas, Carlos Ayala, Ruben Sierra, and Angel Garcia all crossed home plate to give Puerto Rico a 4-0 lead in the first inning.

After Santiago took care of Iguel, Vicente Camacho, and Shane Yamada in 1-2-3 fashion in the bottom of the inning, Puerto Rico padded their lead when Javier Laboy hit the game’s only homer, a three-run shot in the second that gave the team an 8-0 lead.

The CNMI had its best scoring opportunity in the bottom of the second inning when Nunu Kapileo was hit by a pitch, giving the Islanders a leadoff runner.

But Kapileo’s pinch runner, Giovanni Ayuyu, was out at second when Jesse Borja reached first on a fielder’s choice. Vicente Cabrera and Ben Leon Guerrero, meanwhile, went down on a pop up and fly out to right field, respectively, to end the threat.

Puerto Rico continued to pile up the runs in the third, as Ayala’s triple drove in two more runs and errors by the CNMI contributed three unearned runs to make it 13-0.

Santiago again continued to be a menace for the CNMI as he picked off Ryan Ada at second base on an attempted steal, induced Elton Santos to ground out to shortstop and Iguel to fly out to left field.

Ayala and Axel Rivera drove in four more runs for Puerto Rico in the fourth, while two more crossed home plate unearned as the CNMI’s deficit increased to 19-0.

Santiago again had a quick fourth inning and Yamada’s replacement, Santos, matched that by pitching a scoreless fifth before the CNMI concluded its woeful performance against Puerto Rico with yet another uneventful inning in the bottom of the final inning.

Puerto Rico totaled 14 hits and drew eight walks in the game with Laboy finishing with four runs batted in. Juan Silva also had four hits, including three doubles and five RBIs.

The CNMI will look to win its first game in the 2008 Big League World Series when it takes on Canada today.

In other Day 3 results in Easley, the Dominican Republic nipped Canada, 4-3; S.C. District 1 edged East, 10-9; and South beat West, 5-1.