The Southern Braves captured the 2019 Masters Baseball League championship with an 8-6 win over the Guam Financial Company Nationals Monday night at the Paseo Stadium, becoming back-to-back champs after winning it all in 2018 as well.
A who’s who of Guam Major League veterans sprayed the field on both sides.
It was the second inning that saw most of the action for each team with the Braves scoring six runs on the top half and the Nationals coming back with four of their own on the bottom half.
Southern’s six runs in the second frame was mostly off help from GFC as starter Barry Nauta walked four along with three Nationals errors.
The Braves had a total of only five hits in the win. Centerfielder Dale Alvarez was superb in the outfield and scored twice. He was 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks. Brother Pat Alvarez added 2 RBI.
Reliever Daryl Masnayon pitched three innings and scattered four hits. He struck out slugger Matt Muna to end the game with two runners on board.
John McDonald was red hot for the Nationals, going 4-for-5 but was tagged out twice at home plate. He also grounded out with the bases loaded in the third.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Southern's Troy Anderson tips the ball foul. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Nationals reliever Paul Pangelinan pitches in the bottom of the 5th of the Masters Baseball League Championship Game. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Nationals Tony Doyle throws to first base for an out. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Braves George Pecina takes a cut in the 6th inning. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Southern pitcher Daryl Masnayon aims for his next pitch. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Nationals John McDonald steals second base in the 6th inning. Johnny Mac went 4-for-5 for the Nats. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Southern relief pitcher Daryl Masnayon delivers another strike out in the bottom of the 6th. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Southern shortstop Pat Alvarez catches the infield fly in the 7th inning. (Photo by Michael Blas)
The Braves infield walks off the field after getting the last out in the 7th. (Photo by Michael Blas)
The Southern Braves defended their title with a 8-6 victory over the Guam Financial Company Nationals in the Masters Baseball League Championship Game. (Photo by Michael Blas)