Manila Sharks open four-peat bid vs Taguig Patriots

MANILA, Philippines - Manila kicks off its drive for a fourth straight crown while Cebu and Batangas start their respective title bids in Baseball Philippines Series 9 which unwraps today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The new-look Manila Sharks take on the Taguig Patriots at 11 a.m. in the second game of a tripleheader in the opening salvo of the league organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre and Philippine Transmarine Corp.

Cebu and Batangas, the second and third placers in BP Series 8, also see action with the Dolphins facing the Dumaguete Uni-bikers at 2 p.m. and the Bulls colliding with the Alabang Tigers in the 8 a.m. opener.

The Sharks will be hard-pressed against the Patriots with a youthful-laden roster taking over the team’s national players, who have begged off to prepare for the coming World Baseball Classic qualifiers in November.

“It’s going to be an exciting and unpredictable season for us,” said Manila team manager Eric Cadavillo.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, have recruited several members of the UAAP champion National University Bulldogs to their intact lineup, making them the early favorites in the six-team league.

Focus will also be on the Bulls-Tigers clash with slugger Charles Catangui and defensive specialist Kevin Ramos expected to lead Batangas after their stints with UAAP runner-up Ateneo and Blue Eagle teammate and home-run hitter Matt Laurel, and UAAP MVP and NU pitcher Aries Oruga bannering the Tigers side.