NMI Infielders want to do their share

Second of a three-part series

Lorenzo Sebaklim and the five other infielders are hoping to contribute to the CNMI All-Stars’ cause in the 2015 Senior League World Series, which starts on Sunday at the Shawn T. Mansfield Stadium in Bangor, Maine.

Sixteen-year-old Sebaklim, an incoming 11th-grader at Marianas High School, said they would need a total team effort when they go up against the nine other competing teams. The CNMI will represent the Asia-Pacific region.

Canada, Europe-Africa, Latin America, host Maine, U.S. West, U.S. Southwest, U.S. Central, U.S. East, and U.S. Southeast are the other squads in the modified double-elimination tournament.

“We will be needing each other’s support and double all our efforts every game. We must play as a team in order to win as a team,” said Sebaklim, who aims to continue working on his stamina and speed in running.

Richard Atalig, who plans to join the U.S. Marines after high school, and Ethan Babauta echoed the Dandan resident Sebaklim’s statement.

“Everyone must do his share. Be it in pitching, fielding, hitting, or driving in runs,” added the incoming freshman Atalig, who looks up to retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

Atalig pitched for the Red Sox in the Senior League division of last season’s Saipan Little League where he joined teammate Nathan Camacho in topping the pitching category. Atalig did not give up an earned run to clinch the ERA crown, while Camacho was the strikeout king with 57.

“We need to play our best in every game. Do our best in every play since this is the World Series,” added Babauta, who aims to go to college after he finishes at Saipan Southern High School.

Roke Tenorio, who had four doubles along with the Comets’ Franko Nakamura in Saipan’s last Senior League season, said they also needed to adjust in every situation.

“I can contribute in scoring and driving in runs. But we must also learn how to react in situations presented to us, like when to bring the ball or hitting opposite shots,” added Tenorio, who hopes to continue playing baseball in college.

Agulto, meanwhile, will try his best to protect the plate and at the same time keep base runners in check.

“Practice will make us better where we can improve on our weaknesses and correct the mistakes that we’ve been doing.”

The Senior League World Series will follow a modified double elimination format where teams need to win two games in order to guarantee advancing to the next round.

If the CNMI wins against Europe-Africa representatives Lazio League of Italy they will face host Maine District 3 on Aug. 3, Monday. A loss would have them playing against the loser of the U.S. Central-Canada match.