Mexico Musters 11 Runs against Guam

By David Graham-Caso
Special Correspondent

The Central Little League out of Agana, Guam narrowly avoided the mercy rule in its final game of the 2003 Little League World Series. That is not to say that the Guam’s defense couldn’t have used some mercy. The Agana team committed six errors in its 11-3 loss to Olmeca, Mexico.

“We went through the local and the regional tournament with less than three errors,” said Guam manager Shon Muna.

“I can bring the kids to the field,” he continued. “But they are going to play the game that they are going to play.”

Mexico improved to a perfect 2-0 in the tournament, beating Guam in a much different fashion than it defeated Eurpoe in game seven of the 57th Little League World Series. Against Europe, Mexico was only able to put two runs together and won the game 2-1. Against Guam, Olmeca’s bats did most of the talking, knocking in 11 runs on 11 hits.

“I was happy with how we hit the ball today,” said Mexico manager Andres Sanchez through an interpreter. “We responded well to how we did not hit yesterday against Russia and we took advantage of the errors that Guam made.”

“I think that overall we played well,” he added.

Olmeca starter Alejandro Manjarrez was dangerous both at the plate and on the mound. The 5-foot-3, 118-pound pitcher struck out 10 in his complete game victory.

“I was feeling very strong in the beginning of the game,” he said. “At the end of the game, it was getting tough, but I think I pitched a good game.”

Forty-five feet away, from the right side of the plate, Manjarrez also found a way to hurt the Guam team. The slugger led off the third inning with a solo blast well over the centerfield fence.

“There was no doubt,” he said of his monster shot. “As soon as the ball hit the bat, I knew that it was going to be a home run.”

The majority of Mexico’s 11 runs came off of aggressive base running.

“We always try to play aggressively on the bases,” Sanchez said. “Obviously we were able to take a little more advantage because of all of the errors, but it is always my game plan to stay aggressive on the bases.”

Mexico, now 2-0, next faces the Latin American champions at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The undefeated Mexican team does not need a victory against Venezuela to secure a spot in the International semi-final.

“The fact that we don’t have to win to get to the next round gives us a sense of tranquility and calmness,” said centerfielder Jose Santos. “If we lose, we are still okay.”