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CNMI faces Dominican Republic today
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Posted on Jul 26 2008
The CNMI Big League All-Stars will kick off their campaign in the 2008 Big League World Series when they take on Latin America champions Pontezuela, Dominican Republic today in Easley, South Carolina.
The Asia-Pacific champions left Saipan last Thursday and are expected to still have the effects of jetlag when they battle the Dominican Republic beginning 10:30am, East Coast time.
The Dominican Republic advanced to the World Series following a rugged 7-1 win against Maracaibo, Venezuela.
The CNMI, meanwhile, booked a ticket to Easley after beating the Philippines, 8-7, last July 3 at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field in Oleai.
After its opening game against the Dominican Republic, the local Big Leaguers will take on Puerto Rico tomorrow, July 28.
Puerto Rico received an automatic berth to the World Series by virtue of its alternating agreement with Mexico.
The CNMI’s third game will be on July 29 when they face off against Canadian champions District 3 from British Columbia, which advanced after whipping its rivals in the championship round to the tune of 37-2.
The CNMI will conclude its elimination round assignment with a game against EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) champion, Germany, on July 30. Germany beat the Netherlands to earn the World Series berth.
If the CNMI is fortunate enough to reach the International Championship it will be played on Aug. 1 with the championship of the 2008 Big League World Series set for Aug. 2 and will be televised live on ESPN.
The CNMI Big League All-Stars is managed by Robert Magofna, who is being assisted by Juan K. Tenorio.
Making up the Asia-Pacific champions are Ryan Ada, Giovannie Ayuyu, Jesus Borja, Vicente Cabrera, Vicente Camacho, Timothy Cruz, Lawrence Dikito, Jesus Iguel, Nunu Kapileo, Vicente Deleon Guerrero, Smith Regis, Vincent Sablan, Mario Salas, Elton Santos, Juan Tenorio Jr., Shane Yamada, and Nick San Nicolas.
Of the 17, only Yamada, Kapileo, Sablan, and San Nicolas are returning Big League All-Stars.
For the eighth consecutive year, Easley will host the Big League Baseball World Series. The Big League Baseball tournament is set from July 26 to Aug. 2 and features players from ages 16 to 18 coming from around the world.
