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Pirates move into first place with win over Glazers
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Posted on Apr 26 2002
By Shan Seman
Staff Reporter
Marpac Pirates have taken sole possession of first place in the Saipan Major League Baseball after raiding the Kautz Glass Glazers, 8-5, last Wednesday at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field.
The Glazers were ahead 1-0 in the second inning when the Pirates exploded for 3 runs to take the lead.
Ray Guerrero, who reached base on a throwing error by the Glazers’ Wilbur Ada, got his team on the scoreboard as he crossed home plate courtesy of a sacrifice fly by slugger Craig Sanchez. Sanchez would later score on a single by catcher Tyron Attao. The Pirates got their third run of the inning when Mario Sablan drove in JJ Laniyo with a single.
The Glazers quickly regrouped in the top of the third inning as they scored on a whopping 4 runs to regain the lead.
Center fielder Nick Phillip started the scoring spree with a solid single and later scored on a RBI double by Ron Benavente. Just minutes later, Benavente would also cross home plate on a fielders choice.
The power bat of Bruce Norita extended the Glazer lead as he smacked an RBI single, bringing in teammate Hans Pua. Wilbur Ada would score the last run of the inning and the game for the Glazers on an error by the Pirates.
The remaining innings in the ballgame belonged to the Pirates as they scored a run in both the fourth and fifth innings and 3 more in the sixth for the win.
Ace pitcher Kevin Kapileo, who came in relief for Sanchez at the start of the fourth inning, earned the win as he managed to shut down the Glazers. He allowed only one hit and one base on balls, while striking out 5 batters in six innings of work.
Sablan was hot at the plate as he went 3-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. JJ Laniyo also had a solid outing for the Pirates as he went going 1-for-2 while scoring 3 runs.
Ron Benavente had a good performance for the Glazers going 2-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. Teammate Bruce Norita also contributed with 2 hits and an RBI.
SML action continues tonight as the Northern Yankees take on the Miller Light Brewers.
