TEAMS in the Guam Amateur Baseball Latte Spring League returned to action on Tuesday night at the Okkodo Field for the start of its post-season playoffs tournament.
The Talofofo Rangers traveled north to take on the Northern A’s in a game that was decided in the final innings. After six complete innings of play, Northern earned the right to advance in the playoffs after edging out a tough Rangers squad 6-5.
Heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, the A’s trailed the Rangers by two. However, remaining composed, Northern managed to equalize the game at 5-5 after the Rangers allowed two runners to cross home plate. With the game’s time limit close to expiring, Northern faced a two outs situation with Daniel Cruz down 0-2 on the count. Cruz refused to let up and hit a long shot over to right field to drive in the first run. Moments later, Cruz made his way home on a throwing error to tie the game.
In the top of the sixth inning, Northern’s Lorenzo Flores retired the Rangers side in order to complete 3-2/3 innings of relief allowing no runs and only three base runners. Northern continued with momentum heading into the bottom half of the inning. Darren Meno started the Northern offense by getting on base. Several plays later, Meno found himself within 90 feet of winning the game after an error and a sac bunt put him on third base. The Rangers bid to advance in the playoffs came to a half after relief-pitcher Joseph Salas threw a wild pitch and allowed Meno to score for the victory.
Northern’s Flores picked up his fifth win of the season in relief, while Talofofo’s Salas was dealt the loss. Rangers starting pitcher Kagan Rabago was dealt a no-decision while pitching five strong innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out six A’s batters.
With the victory, the A’s advance to the second round of the playoff tournament and will play the winner of tonight’s game between the second-seeded Agana Heights King Car Chiefs and seventh-seeded Yona Red Hawks.
A’s eliminate Rangers from GABL Spring League playoffs
- Thursday, 12 Jul 2012 03:30am
- BY MIKE NAUTA JR. | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
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