Braves beat Padres in Big League

Posted on Feb 26 2015

Tag: Big League, Bret Halstead, Keene Deleon Guerrero, Kent Kalen

The NSA Braves used a five-run third inning and a steady bullpen in completing a 9-3 win over the Padres in the Big League division of the Saipan Little League last Thursday night at the Francisco M. “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.

An NSA Braves batter waits for a pitch during their Big League game against the Padres last Tuesday night at the Francisco M. “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
(Jon Perez)

Darrion Jones had a lead off double, while J.J. Lifoifoi singled and both of them reached home plate on a throwing error by Padres pitcher Bret Halstead to break a 3-3 count and push the Braves up, 5-3.

Ray Saralu, with no outs, singled and moved to second when Ian Norita was hit by a pitch from Bret Halstead. Angel Palacios then grounded out to second baseman Kent Kalen, who made the relay throw to first baseman Brad Lieto for the first out.

Rhobby Kaipat, who went 2-for-3, doubled to bring in Saralu and Norita to hike the Braves’ lead to 7-3. He moved to third on a throwing error but was tagged out while attempting to cross home plate.

Franklin Lizama got on base on an error by shortstop Keene Deleon Guerrero and stole second base. He moved to third on a passed ball and scored on another Padres throwing error.

Franklin Lieto walked and moved to scoring position on consecutive errors, but was tagged out running toward home plate to end the inning.

Kaipat and Saralu both went 2-for-3 with the former driving in three runs, including that two-RBI double in the third while the latter made two runs and had one RBI.

Jones lasted four innings, allowing the Padres two earned runs on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks. He gave up a single to K.J. Deleon Guerrero and a triple to Keene Deleon Guerrero in the third.

Frankie Lieto pitched two shutout innings in relief surrendering two hits, both singles to Keene Deleon Guerrero and Kent Kalen, fanning two and walking one.

J.J. Lifoifoi closed out for the Braves, forcing Halstead to ground out on a 6-3 putout play, while retiring Cody Blas. K.J. Deleon Guerrero had an infield fly that was caught by first baseman Palacios to end the game.

Jon Perez | Reporter

Jon Perez began his writing career as a sports reporter in the Philippines where he has covered local and international events. He became a news writer when he joined media network ABS-CBN. He joined the weekly DAWN, University of the East’s student newspaper, while in college.

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