Cebu, Manila IXs part ways today

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu and Manila slug it out today at resumption of action in the Dunkin’ Donuts Baseball Philippines Series VI at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Dolphins and the Sharks opened their respective campaigns on a winning note, fashioning out victories in contrasting fashion last weekend.

Cebu came from behind to defeat Taguig, 7-2, Sunday while Manila shocked Series V champion Batangas, 5-4, in the opener of the series presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and organized by Community Sports Inc.

Cebu and Manila collide at 1:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Batangas tries to bounce back as it battles Taguig in the 9 a.m. opener.

“This is a short series so every game is really important,” said Manila team manager Joel Palanog.

Against the Bulls, Niño Tator slammed a three-run double and scored a run in the first inning while reliever Mike Gante put up a solid relief job to neutralize the Batangas batters.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, rallied from a two-run deficit as they scored five runs in the eighth inning to beat the Patriots in the tournament sponsored by Gatorade, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc., Harbour Centre and The Heritage Park.

Cebu team manager Isaac Bacarisas said he plans to start national pitcher Joseph Orillana against Manila.

Orillana started at left field against the Patriots but switched positions with Fil-Am hurler Lorenzo Ubungen after the San Francisco State University threw two unearned runs in the third frame.

The tournament is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio 918.