Muñoz twirls no-hitter as Tigers nip Uni-bikers

MANILA, Philippines - Carlos Muñoz pitched the first-ever complete game no-hitter in Baseball Philippines as Alabang edged Dumaguete, 1-0, yesterday to bounce back into contention in the BP Series 8 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The 17-year-old Muñoz struck out 13 batters as he steered the Tigers to their second win in seven outings for a share of fourth with the Taguig Patriots in the league organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade and Rawlings.

The incoming La Salle freshman preserved his superb performance after an error by Alabang first baseman Gabby Baroque and a walk in the ninth inning that got Jezreel Rosita and Andy Tan on board as Muñoz grounded out John Almonte and Amber Plaza before fanning out Felipe Remollo to end the game.

“My fastball was really great although my curveball didn’t work well,” said Muñoz on his no-hit outing.

Matt Laurel singled home Andro Cuyugan in the first inning which proved to be the marginal run for the Tigers.

The loss dropped the Uni-bikers to 1-5.

Earlier, Batangas snapped its four-game losing skid with a late charge as it repulsed Taguig, 4-2.

The Bulls came through with an eighth inning binge to turn back the Patriots and improve to 3-5 for third place.

Vio Roxas and Jojo Apura singled in the eighth before Charles Catangui hit an RBI single to score Roxas, 2-1.

A fielding error by Taguig third baseman Denver Largo loaded the bases before a single by Randy De Leon pushed Apura home for the tying run.

Ferdinand Recto drew a bases-loaded walk to score Catangui to take the lead before Romeo Jasmin scored after Chris Canlas grounded out.