Cabrera pitches Blue Jays to victory

Blue Jays players and officials pose for a photo after beating the Outlaws, 13-2, in their debut game in the 2018 Saipan Baseball League last Tuesday night at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield. (Jon Perez)

Noel Cabrera showed no signs of rookie jitters and the Blue Jays scored seven runs in the third inning to cage the Outlaws, 13-2, in Day 2 of opening week of the 2018 Saipan Baseball League last Tuesday night at the Francisco “Tan Ko” M. Palacios Ballfield.

The 17-year-old Cabrera, a former member of the CNMI Junior League All-Star Team, was unhittable in four complete innings before Vince Cabrera broke his streak with a leadoff single at the bottom of the fifth. Verlance Secharmidal and Mario Salas then each made a single, while the Outlaws’ two runs—both earned—were courtesy of Dave Matagolai, who scored on a Noel Cabrera throwing error at the bottom of the third, and Salas’ miscue in the seventh.

Noel Cabrera complemented his impressive performance on the mound by posting only two errors and one walk. He hit Joe Kapileo by a pitch in the seventh where the Outlaws tried to remain in contention after falling behind by more than 10 runs. Noel Cabrera also had eight strikeouts and on three occasions had quick 1-2-3 innings with the help of the Blue Jays defense, before Outlaws second baseman Vince Cabrera foiled what could have been a no-hitter for the former Taalabwogh Falcons’ standout.

Salas, with the Outlaws needing to score three runs at the bottom of the seventh in order to continue the game, led off the inning with a single and moved to second on a passed ball then scored on a Noel Cabrera throwing error for their team’s second run.

But that was it for the Outlaws, as Noel Cabrera settled down after that. Vince Cabrera, who got on third base, was left stranded. The Blue Jays’ Cabrera forced Olympio Muna to ground out to second, which was the final half of a game-ending double play. Blue Jays second baseman Jess Mesa grabbed Muna’s grounder and quickly stepped on the bag to put out Kapileo, who was running towards second. Mesa then threw to Larry Sibetang at first to beat Muna and end the game.

Earlier at the top of the third, the Blue Jays scored seven runs and had one hit, as the Outlaws got sloppy on defense. The Outlaws also had five errors, while pitcher Dennis Cabrera threw two wild pitches, allowing Blue Jays runners to advance.

Cris George’s triple was the lone hit for the Blue Jays as he drove in Tom Agulto, Kimo Aingalen, and Quimson Blas. Kier Agda also had a triple at the top of the seventh and later scored on a Sibetang single.

Meanwhile, the new season resumes today after taking a break last night with GSM battling the Ballistics. Then on Friday, the Mariners will debut against newcomer Titanium. Both games will start 6:30pm.