Brewers take Game 1 by 10

The weather held just long enough Wednesday evening for the Miller Lite Brewers to take Game 1 from the Pirates, via the league’s 10-run mercy rule, in the first official game of the Saipan Major League baseball playoffs at Francisco M. Palacios baseball field.

Starting pitcher Roy Celis went the distance for the Brew crew, allowing just three runs off of eight hits in the victory. It was even more significant because he was pitching in the rainout game two days prior.

“I pitched four innings Monday and popped my hand. I had no choice in this game—I had to pitch. I feel good now because we won 13-3. We shut them down. My boys offense was awesome,” said Celis.

His boys were awesome. Slugger Manny Sablan went 3-for-4 at the plate, doubled and scored twice. Several of the Brewers found success with the bat, as the team went a combined 20-for-41, including a Jester Garcia homerun in the sixth inning.

“The Pirates are very good. A lot of their players were not here tonight, including their ace pitcher Chris Nelson and Kevin (Kapileo). This is the name of the game—to win. If you want to win, you have to come. I want to win, that ‘s why I came,” said Celis.

Pirates’ catcher agreed with Celis’ statement and had his own ideas why his team didn’t pull out the victory.

“They came with their bats. The Brewers came ready to play. We jumped to a 2-0 in the fourth inning and that was it for us. We just couldn’t stick with it all the way. Another thing is that none of our pitchers came today. The Brewers came to play and they beat us fair and square,” said Dela Cruz.

This was a strong start for the Brewers, as they begin their quest to unseat the defending champion Northern Yankees. Before they get that chance, they must continue to rely on a solid defense and an explosive offense to get by a strong Pirates team that believes in itself.

“Well, they executed well. The first five innings were difficult for our offense. We didn’t click until the sixth inning. I told my boys to adjust at the plate. Craig [Sanchez] was pitching a good game for the first five innings, but we were able come through and hit him in the later innings. Our defense also held the Pirates, one of the best teams on the island, to three runs,” said Brewers manager Tony Rogolifoi.

The Pirates were able to strike first when they got on the board in the fourth inning. Dela Cruz and Mario Sablan crossed the plate to give the black and gold their only lead of the game.

Though they weren’t able to answer in the fourth, the Brewers scored twice in the fifth to tie the game when Tony Celis doubled home Manny Sablan and Kaipat. Camacho would cross the plate in the sixth courtesy of a Sablan double, and the Garcia would homer to give the crew some breathing room.

Pirates’ third baseman singled home the speedy Jon Reyes in the seventh, but that would be the end of their offensive production.

The Brewers scored seven runs in the next two innings, the last when designated hitter Bruce Norita singled Suel across the plate.

“Hopefully by Friday, Mother Nature will cooperate. Then we will try to execute the same plan that we went with in Game 1,” said Rogolifoi.

The first round of the playoffs continue tonight, as Game 2 gets underway at 6:30pm at Palacios field. Game 3 will be played, if necessary, on Monday, June 28.