{"id":204107,"date":"2015-06-12T06:00:41","date_gmt":"2015-06-11T20:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=204107"},"modified":"2015-06-12T06:00:41","modified_gmt":"2015-06-11T20:00:41","slug":"cnmi-vs-guam-in-big-league-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/cnmi-vs-guam-in-big-league-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"CNMI vs Guam in Big League opener"},"content":{"rendered":"

Host CNMI will be facing its southern neighbor Guam in the lone opening game in the 2015 Asia-Pacific-Middle East Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Regional Tournament at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field at 4:30pm on June 26.<\/p>\n

\"CNMI<\/a>
CNMI Big League All-Stars manager Tony Rogolifoi, left, talks to some of the team\u2019s pitchers during one of their practice sessions at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field. (Jon Perez)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The opening ceremony begins at 3pm with the parade of all 14 teams from the six countries that will be vying for three division crowns. This year\u2019s cast is led by defending Junior and Big league champions Chinese-Taipei and Seniors title holder CNMI.<\/p>\n

The regional tournament will have its full schedule of matches the following day or on June 27. The competition, which will run up to July 6, will have more than 30 games, including the finals in each division. Teams are expected to start arriving on June 24 in time for the June 25 managers meeting.<\/p>\n

CNMI Big league manager Tony Rogolifoi, who is being supported by head coach Jack Guerrero and assistant mentor Bruce Norita, said that they have been preparing the team not only against Guam, but versus other favorites, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that there\u2019s a standing rivalry between Guam and the CNMI. But Guam is not our only opponent. There\u2019s defending champion Chinese-Taipei and the Philippines, which has also been a powerhouse in the region,\u201d said Rogolifoi in an interview before the team\u2019s practice session late Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know we\u2019re going to face tough challenges and it will be hard for all of us. We won\u2019t guarantee a win. I would just want the boys to take it one game at a time,\u201d said Rogolifoi, who has guided the CNMI to gold medal wins in the 2006 Saipan Micronesian Games and the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re confident that the boys can score runs. We have a steady defense, and a great bullpen composed of the best young pitchers,\u201d added the veteran baseball manager.<\/p>\n

The team practices at least three to four hours a day, six times a week since the group was formed in late May.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just doing lots of offensive and defensive drills, including hitting and pitching. That is where we are focusing on. Majority of the members of the team are 17 years old, they are almost ready to play in the adult leagues,\u201d Rogolifoi said.<\/p>\n

The manager added that the coaching staff also stacked the squad with players who could also be tapped to pitch.<\/p>\n

Frankie Lieto, Darrion Jones, A.J. Evangelista, Jesse Breal, and Jhace Palacios will be on the CNMI\u2019s regular pitching rotation.<\/p>\n

Cedric C. Ada, Jerald P. Cabrera, Keola Camacho, Keene Deleon Guerrero, Kelvin Jack Deleon Guerrero, Asalschigh Khobby Kaipat, Bradley R. Lieto, Joseph Lifoifoi Jr., Jose C. Lizama Jr., Peyton Lizama, M.J. Sakisat, and Verlance Secharmidal are the other members of the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut anyone of them could also pitch if they are called to take the mound,\u201d added Rogolfioi.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the CNMI will also be competing in the Juniors division along with Australia, Guam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The host will then defend the Seniors crown against Guam, Hong Kong and the Philippines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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