TMS rules over HMS in fast pitch softball

The sluggers from the northside, the Tanapag Middle School Tatagas, ruled over their southside foe, Hopwood Middle School Hilitais, 13-2, in the PSS-NMI Softball Association Interscholastic Boys High School Fast Pitch Softball League 2024-2025 last Saturday at the Dandan Middle School softball field.

It was a rematch of sorts as both schools duked it out in the finals of the inaugural slow pitch softball league last season, with the Tatagas coming out on top.

In this matchup, the Tatagas got the better of the Hilitais once again in their first meeting this season.

The Tatagas’ offense was quickly jump-started in the first inning from a solo homer by No. 2 batter Kayden Lizama, giving them a 1-0 advantage. Justin Garde, who was right behind him, got on base and was brought home for the second run to lead, 2-0.

HMS bats were quiet as the TMS pitcher allowed just three hits in two innings, and proceeded to strand those runners on base. The third inning wasn’t much better for the Hilitais as they went down in order from ground outs and still had nothing to show.

Meanwhile, TMS rounded the bases twice more at the top of the third for a 4-0 lead. Then, the Hilitais finally broke through in the fourth from a homer by their pitcher Jesse Santos, for a 1-4 game. That was all they wrote though, while TMS went on another tear in the fifth with four runs to run away with the lead once again, 8-1.

The Hilitais could only find gaps and sprint their way twice in the fifth inning for a 3-8 game. The Tatagas then secured four more runs in the sixth and one more run in the last inning for a 12-3 final.

The Tatagas are made up of Damian Marchadesch, Damian Sablan, Dayton Marchadesch, Derrence Benjamin, Donovan Johnson, Dyson Danis, Jesus San Nicolas, Justin Garde, Kayden Lizama, Peter Camacho, Chance Sablan, Taylon Appleby, Brayden Otiwii, Joaquin Cangco, Zekiel Falig, Carl Hocog, Leon Neth, and Fransid Santos.

In other results that day, Chacha Ocean View Middle School Lancherus slipped past HMS II, 15-12, and Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Napu Riders beat Mount Carmel School Knights, 12-5.

Results of yesterday’s games between Dandan Middle School Tottots and COVMS, and TMS vs. HMS II will be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.