Sharks gun for crown vs Dolphins

MANILA, Philippines - Manila shoots for its first-ever crown today as it goes for the sweep against Cebu in Game Two of the Dunkin’ Donuts Baseball Philippines Series VI finals at the Felino Marcelino Baseball Stadium in Barangay Ususan, Taguig City.

The Sharks fashioned out a 5-3 victory over the Dolphins last week in the opener of their best-of-three-series showdown, moving within a win from finally wrapping up the championship after three attempts in the league presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and organized by Community Sports Inc.

Vice President Jejomar Binay will throw the ceremonial pitch before the 1:30 p.m. game.

Pampanga and Taguig will play an exhibition game at 9 a.m. while the awards rites will be held at 11:30 a.m.

Manila lost the Series II crown to Cebu and fell short against Batangas in the Series V title playoff.

Southpaw Jon Jon Robles, a former Czech Republic pro player, had an impressive stint on the mound in Game 1, allowing only one hit while striking out five batters to beat the Dolphins.

But Manila team manager Jhoel Palanog is wary of the Dolphins, who are going all out to send the match into a winner-take-all affair next week.

“Like I said, it will be like a chess game when you face Cebu. We have to be ready for their adjustment especially in the batting order,” said Palanog.

After a struggling stint in the series opener, Charlie Labrador will start for Manila. The national pitcher yielded three runs in Game One, forcing Robles to take over.

“Charlie’s game will be back for Game 2,” said Palanog. Joseph Orillana is expected to start for the Dolphins after a one-inning job in

Game 1 following a brief stint in Jakarta to coach an RP team in the Asia Pacific junior baseball tournament two weeks ago. Sebastian Uichico and third baseman Edmer Del Socorro stepped up for the Dolphins on the mound to no avail.

Game Two will be aired live on DZSR Sports Radio 918 and will be aired on a delayed basis on July 29, starting at 2 p.m. on NBN-4.

The tournament is sponsored by Gatorade, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine

Transmarine Carriers Inc.,Harbour Centre and The Heritage Park with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio as partners.