Dolphins, Bulls score big in Baseball Philippines

Elmer Del Socorro and Jonash Ponce keyed a five-run sixth inning and propelled the Cebu Dolphins to a surprising 9-7 win over the defending champion Manila Sharks, 9-7, on Sunday in the Baseball Philippines Series 8 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. Del Socorro and Ponce blasted two-run hits in that pivotal sixth inning as the Dolphins climb to solo first with a 2-0 record and handed the Sharks their first loss in the tournament. The Sharks, on the other hand, dropped to second place with a 2-1 after winning their first two games against Taguig. “May laban ang team na ito. Mas kumpleto na kami ngayon, basta buo kami, malaki ang pag-asa namin," said Cebu coach Isaac Bacarisas, whose team had to fight off a string of injuries and player absences during Series 7. Del Socorro blasted Jon Jon Robles’ pitch to right field to score Ramil Magno and Fongs Rances before Ponce tripled to clear the bases and score Orillana and Del Socorro. Del Socorro had to stave off a late rally by Manila, forcing Saxon Omandac to a flyout with two outs and runners on third and first base. In the first game, Batangas scored a fitting payback win over, 14-6. Batangas scored six runs in the fifth and sixth innings to post its first win of the tournament. Vio Roxas had four RBIs while starting pitcher Vladi Eguia struck out eight and gave up three hits as the Bulls avenged their 11-9 loss to the Tigers last April 17 played in Libjo, Batangas City. Batangas coach Randy Dizer also credited his young core of players, including Charles Catangui, who also had three RBIs. “The instruction of team owner Norman Macasaet is to give the younger players more exposure and they delivered," said Dizer. The Bulls started to pull away after Roxas and Catangui blasted two-run doubles in the fifth. They connected again in the sixth inning for the lopsided win. - RCJ, Reuben Terrado, GMA News