Munti, Talisay tots near semis

Muntinlupa City downed Palayan of Nueva Ecija, 5-1, while Talisay trounced Pook Agoncillo, 17-8, yesterday to seize the lead in their respective groups in Little League baseball play of the 2008 Little League Philippine Series at the Alabang Country Club grounds.

It was the Muntinlupa batters’ third win in row in Group A while the Talisay squad notched its second straight victory in Group B as they closed in on spots in the crossover semifinals in this meet staking a berth to the Asia-Pacific World Series Regional Qualifier slated July 18-25 in Hong Kong.

Defending champion International Little League Baseball Association of Manila, however, absorbed a shock 4-15 defeat to Bulacan. It was ILLAM’s first loss following victories over Lipa City, 11-8, and Pook Agoncillo, 3-1, Wednesday.

Manila, meanwhile, got back at first roun d tormentor Bacolod East, scoring an emphatic 12-2 win, its fourth in five outings, to book the first finals spot in Big League Softball play of this tournament sponsored by The Philippine STAR, Novuland Phil., Inc., Integrated Waste Management, China State Construction, Pepsi and Gatorade.

Muntinlupa City, Constellation Travels, Inc., Max’s Restaurant. Krispy Kreme, Enchanted Kingdom, Shakey’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, Silver Icon, Green Icon, Xcell Properties, Le Soleil de Boracay, Smart and Pagcor are backing the event.

The Big City bets pounded Bacolod’s two pitchers with nine hits, including seven atop the second inning that translated into 11 runs to seal the win.

Bacolod East fell to its second loss against three wins, half a game ahead of ILLAM, which was gunning for a third win in five games against winless Muntinlupa at presstime.

ILLAM, however, struck in Junior League Softball as it blasted Makati City, 22-1, to remain unscathed with five wins.

Manila southpaw Felixwinda Custodio pitched a one-hitter to move the team within two wins of clinching a berth in the Asia-Pacific elimination set in July in Guangzhou, China.

Custodio also shone at bat with two hits along with Elena Parojinog,  Maricar Barrientos and Marycrus Gidalanon during the team’s second inning romp.