Bulls forge title duel vs Sharks

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas got back at Cebu, scoring an 8-1 rout in their do-or-die duel for the second final berth yesterday to arrange a showdown with Manila for Baseball Philippines’ Series V crown at the Rizal Baseball Stadium.

Romeo Jasmin yielded four hits but pitched a no-hitter in the first six innings as the Bulls avenged their 1-6 setback to the Dolphins last Saturday to gain a crack at the crown in the league organized by Community Sports, Inc.

Jasmin, last season’s UAAP top hurler from Adamson, struck out all batters he had faced in the first six frames before Cebu’s Miggy Corcuera singled in the seventh. He also sizzled at bat, going three-for-four, including two runs-batted-in (RBIs).

Batangas and Manila dispute the title in a best-of-three playoff starting June 28.

The Sharks gained the first finals seat by holding off the Alabang Tigers in a thrilling 11-10 win over 14 innings last Saturday.

“The boys had a meeting after the loss and they really stepped up today,” said Batangas team manager Randy Dizer.

Jasmin sparked Batangas’ scoring spree in the first with an RBI single off Cebu starter Sebastian Uichico before catcher Felix Jose hit a two-run double in the second. Shortstop Jojo Apura then made a two-run double in the fifth and the Bulls went up, 5-0.

After Jasmin yielded the first hit to Cebu, the Dolphins appeared headed for a big rally as Jordan Orobia scored on a single by Jeff Ardio leading to a bases-loaded situation in the eighth. But Jasmin foiled their bid as Edzel Atienza popped out and the Bulls coasted to the victory.

“It is hard to predict because Manila has a lot of veterans too. The hungrier team will win the crown,” said Dizer of the Sharks, who lost to the Dolphins in Series II finals.

The tournament is sponsored by Gatorade, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc., Harbour Centre and the Heritage Park with partners Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio.