Claury Scatliffe had early success with the bat and later took over Pitching for the Yankees to earn a save. Photo: VINO

Presenting various trophies to the players, coaches and sponsors was Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO

The Elected Official for the District and Minister for Communications and Works, the Honourable Mr. Mark. H Vanterpool, also helped with the presentations. Photo: VINO

Shamouri Robinson struck out 10 batters before tiring in the 5th to be relieved by Scatliffe. Photo: VINO

Emmanuel Lebron of the Orioles slides home safe during Saturday's season opener. Photo: VINO

Scatliffe struck out six batters during two innings to earn the "save" and give the Yankees the win. Photo: VINO

The Yankees held their nerve to beat the Orioles 10-9 on Saturday in the Little League Baseball opener at the Old Recreation Ground thanks in large part to the pitching of Claury Scatliffe who sat down the Orioles in the 5th and 6th innings as they looked to mount a ‘come from behind’ victory.

Shamouri Robinson, in relief of Alonso Potter, had pitched the Yankees to within sight of victory before he began to tire and allowed 4 runs in the bottom of the 5th to make it a 10-9 game and was accredited with the win, but Scatliffe took over and had six strike outs in two innings to get the “save”.

Robinson had himself struck out 10 batters, but was nearing his pitch count maximum as Stephen Emanuel smashed to deep right field scoring three. Another run came home before the change and Scatliffe did the rest.

She struck out three to conclude the 5th inning and after Chadwick Evans also kept the Yankees scoreless at the top of the 6th, she kept her nerve.

Caleb Dawson was hit and “walked” to first before Evans and Glenford Prentice found Scatliffe too hot to handle. The final “out” came with Malik Malone digging deep to keep his side alive. However after a couple of hits the wrong side of the foul line he was struck out looking on the 6th pitch he received and it was all over.

Robinson went 2 for 3, including two doubles and scored 3 runs as the Yankees had 4 hits, made 3 errors and left 5 on base.

Nashawn Smith took the loss for the Orioles, who had 5 hits, made 4 errors and left 9 on base.

Earlier, during the Opening Ceremony, Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith had explained to the young players how important being able to take part in Sports was.

“The Government, the People and the Community need to do all [they] can to make sure that the young people have the opportunity to take part in these sports. It is integral that parents get involved too and support their children,” said Hon Smith.

Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool, the District Representative and Minister Responsible for Communications and Works added his comments, suggesting that there is a lot of opportunity for success in baseball.

“I’m pleased to see the efforts being made today with the Little League and want to encourage you to continue working at it. You will be richly rewarded, not just as workers, but as players and as members of the community. One day the youngsters will be able to utilize what they learn at a higher level and one day I believe we will have players in Baseball Major Leagues,” said Hon Vanterpool