Kings crown Metropolitans, 15-7

The Budweiser Kings opened up a can against the San Antonio Mets early and hung on for the win on Monday night, as they earned their second win of the season in continuation of the Saipan Major League at Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field in Oleai.

Pitcher Mike Taitano came out of nowhere to pick up a complete game win for the Kings, as the rookie hurler went the full nine innings, allowing seven runs off of five hits while fanning seven along the way.

Taitano was strong atop the mound, and the Mets were unable to touch him until the bottom of the third when catcher Marvin Topasna singled. Taitano also received plenty of run support from his offense, as the Kings scored 15 runs off of 13 hits. As well as the Bud boys were hitting, they were the beneficiaries of 13 errors and three walks from the Mets defense.

Catcher Tyrone Attao had the most hits on tap for Budweiser with three singles and a runs scored, though he almost had two before he was caught while attempting to steal home in the top of the seventh inning.

Teammate Herman Kintol had a solid game in the field and at the plate, as the second baseman went 2-for-6 with a pair of singles, scored four runs, and added three stolen bases for the Kings, while B.J. Seman also went 2-for-6 with two base knocks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Overall, the Kings became career criminals by stealing eight bases on Monday night, but the Mets retaliated with five of their own bag larcenies. Though the Mets suffered their fifth loss of the season, they got another complete game out of pitcher Kolani Castro. The budding ace took the loss on the chin, but threw a strong game and threatens to become a force later in the season.

The Kings opened up the game in royal fashion by scoring six runs in the top of the first inning off of three hits. They added another in the top of the second before brewing up five runs in the third to take an 11-0 lead over the Metropolitans.

Otsuka Masatoshi crossed home plate to give the San Antonio nine their first score in the bottom of the inning off of an error. The Mets scored a run in each of the fourth and fifth innings before racking up three runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut the deficit to 12-6, but the Kings rallied for three of their own in the top of the seventh to put the final touches on their 15-7 win.