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By Robert Balajadia
The second seeded GW Geckos got off to a great start against the JFK Islanders which helped them prevent a late comeback to secure their title shot against the Southern Dolphins Saturday at the Leo Palace baseball field. The Geckos defeated the Islanders 9-3 while the Dolphins eat the Academy Cougers 15-2 Wednesday night.
“We treated this game like a regular season game. We just needed to get the outs that we needed and play hard,” said Geckos head coach Alex Gumataotao.
GW struck first after a scoreless first inning while scoring three runs in the second inning, getting a 2RBI double from Samantha Quinata.
The Geckos would tack on more runs in the 3rd inning off a hit from Colleen Quinata who was tagged out at first base. An error on the throw to catch runners on second and third allowed both runners to score giving the Geckos the 6-0 lead.
Marika Miyasaki brought in another run for GW in the 4th inning that gave the Geckos a large 7-0 lead, but the Islanders started to rally for a comeback in the top of the 5th inning.
With Celeene Mendiola on the mound for GW, the Islanders got rolling in the inning loading the bases after Geckos Pauline Paulino made a great stop at third base but did not third tag the base before throwing to first base which allowed all runners to be safe.
JFK took complete advantage getting a 2RBI double from Kayleena Blas to cut the lead 7-2 followed by an RBI single from Audrey George to get within striking distance at 7-3.
GW was able to recover from an errant throw to home after Mendiola made a heads up play to tag the Islanders runner out who tried to run back to third base to put an immediate stop to the Islanders run.
“I just reminded the players to get the outs and get back to basics,” said Gumataotao on how his coaching strategy changed after the Islanders run.
GW played stellar defense to close out the game allowing just one hit in the 6th and 7th inning to secure their title shot against the Dolphins.
“I got help from my Uncle Derek, he told me not to let my guard down because we still have to play the game. I wasn’t really thinking about a championship and I was just determined to do my best,” said Mendiola about closing out the Islanders.
In regards to the championship game, Gumataotao wants the girls to just play Geckos softball and they will be fine.
PHOTO GALLERY
Geckos Zipporah Baiei runs to third base after a pass ball. (GSPN photo)
Geckos Zipporah Baiei beats the throw to first base. (GSPN photo)
Islanders starting pitcher.
The Geckos misfire on the throw to first base. (GSPN photo)
Geckos starting pitcher Chelsea San Miguel. (GSPN photo)
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