Bears, Falcons in crucial match

The Falcons’ J.J. Lifoifoi, left, talks to their first baseman coach after getting on base on a fielder’s choice during their game against the Indians in the 2018 Saipan Baseball League last Friday night at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield. (Jon Perez)

The Chalan Kanoa Bears aim to force a one-game playoff for the pennant against current leaders Go See Mark when they take on the Falcons tomorrow in the 2018 Saipan Baseball League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield.

GSM ended the elimination round at 8-1, while the Bears are just one win behind at 7-1, and the Falcons are at third at 6-2. The rampaging Mariners, who have won four straight games, are currently at fourth with their 5-3 record.

The remaining games in the round-robin regular season will determine the pennant winner and the complete playoff cast. The postseason could have the Top 4 teams advancing—the original format under the league rules—or the Top 8, as proposed by some managers during a meeting last week. The six best teams making it to the postseason is another format suggested with the Top 2 getting a bye and the automatic semis tickets and the next four playing in knockout matches.

The final decision on the playoff format will depend on the availability of funds, as SBL coordinator Tony Rogolifoi has asked the managers and coaches to seek financial assistance from local businesses to defray the costs of more postseason games. If additional funds won’t be available, SBL will have to stick with its original format of Top 4 teams advancing into the semis, which will be a best-of-three affair. Winners of the No. 1 vs No. 4 and No. 2 against No. 3 Final Four series will then play in a race-to-three finals.

Falcons 18, Indians 4
Meanwhile, the Falcons routed the Indians in last Friday’s game.

A.J. Evangelista scored four times and drove in two runs after going 3-for-6 in the Falcons’ easy win. He had two triples, including an RBI-triple in the third to push their lead to 9-1.

Peter Lieto went 3-for-6 with a run and two RBIs, while Kolby Kaipat scored a run and had an RBI triple in the Falcons’ six-run inning at the top of the first for his lone hit in three at bats. Ian Norita also drove in two runs and scored twice on a 2-for-6 batting.

Jared Camacho scored twice for the Indians, while Robert Tudela and Jesse Sablan added a run each.

The Falcons’ bullpen—composed of starter Joe Pangelinan, reliever K.K. Kainoa, and closer Peter Lieto—held the Indians, who remained winless after seven games, to 4-for-33 batting.

Bears 13, Outlaws 3
A.J. Lizama belted his second home run of the season, while cousin Jose Lizama Jr. retired four as a closer in the Bears’ 10-run win over the Outlaws last Thursday.

It was the Bears’ fifth straight win since losing to the Aces on March 9, 14-4, while the Outlaws absorbed their seventh loss in as many games.

A.J. Lizama went 3-for-4 with a two-run dinger in the Bears’ eight-run barrage ay the bottom of the second inning. He had three RBIs and four runs, while Shakobe Rangamar drove in two runs, including an RBI triple in the third for his lone hit in four at bats.

Dennis Cabrera was tagged with the loss for the Outlaws after giving up 11 runs—including A.J.’s two-run homer—on six hits while striking out three and walking two.