CNMI’s persistence pays off

Ben Jones, right, exchanges high-fives with Brian Camacho, right, and manager Henry Lizama after beating Guam, 15-14, in the finals of the Inaugural Micronesian Baseball Classic last Friday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield. (Roselyn B. Monroyo0

It ain’t over till it’s over.

That was the battle cry of the CNMI All-Stars as they worked their up way from a double-digit deficit against Guam and eked out a come-from-behind 15-14 win in their title showdown in the Inaugural Micronesian Baseball Classic at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield last Friday.

“We were down all throughout the game, but I kept reminding the boys not to give up because the game is not yet over. Although Guam was leading by a big margin, I told them we still have a chance and we just have to play together,” manager Henry Lizama said moments after his wards stole the championship from Guam in extra inning as their foes had a monumental breakdown.

Guam’s strong start in the winner-take-all finale threatened the CNMI’s bid for a perfect run in the four-nation tournament. The Commonwealth bets swept the three games in the preliminary round and made it four in a row after beating Guam in the first semis match last Thursday. The home team cruised to a 14-5 victory over Guam in the prelims and had another easy win in the semis, 15-5.

The CNMI was then up for a big surprise in the early part of the finale, as catcher Miller Santos towed Guam to a 13-2 advantage after four complete innings. Santos went 3-for-3 in that stretch, which was highlighted by his two-run homer in the second inning.

The CNMI, on the other hand had a 1-2-3 inning from the second to fourth inning, as Guam Jay Taijeron had a steady performance on the mound and his teammates also held their ground on defense. Brian Camacho provided the lone bright spot for the CNMI’s offense, hitting a two-run single in the first inning.

“We struggled at bat early, but the coaching staff told the players to remain focus on their shots. We told them to keep trying,” Lizama said.

After putting the CNMI on the board, Camacho made only one hit (a single) and was struck out twice in his next three trips at the plate before blasting a pivotal solo homer at the bottom of the ninth inning to jumpstart the team’s comeback bid.

“That was my first home run of the season and I am glad it came at the right time,” Camacho said in an interview with Saipan Tribune after the thrilling match.

“That (homer) started it all. It pumped up the boys,” Lizama said.

Camacho’ solo HR was followed by Juan, Lamarc, and Jesus Iguel’s RBI single each, while Ben Jones made the game-tying hit, bringing home Jesus. Jones was eventually left stranded at first after Guam finally got the third out and the title match had to be decided in the 10th inning.

Juan went on to score the winning run in the extra inning, thanks to Verlance Sechamirdal, who hit his target, and Guam first baseman Mike Peredo, who went for the catch, but fumbled.

“I never lost faith in our players even though we were down by a big margin and I am proud of them because they were able to pull it off together,” said Lizama, who was joined on the team officials list by coaches Manny Sablan and Luis Iguel.

Other members of the team were Peter Lieto, who pitched for the CNMI when they made the comeback, Nokki Saralu, Anthony Tenorio, Byron Kaipat, Pat Alepuyo, Tyrone Omar, Mike Iguel, Mike Muna Jr., John Tudela, Joe Palacios, Giovanni Mira, Frankie Lieto, Peter Tomokane, and A.J., Henry Jr., Jose, and Jeffrey Lizama.