MANILA, Philippines - Cebu strung up four runs in the fifth inning then added three more in the seventh to turn what had been a close contest into a rout, beating defending champion Manila, 12-7, yesterday at resumption of Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Alabang followed up its come-from-behind 13-12 win over Batangas last Saturday with another late-inning binge to carve out a 10-6 victory over Dumaguete in the other game to seize the early lead in the league organized by Community Sports Inc.
The Tigers scored seven runs in a three-inning stretch from the bottom fifth while holding the Uni-bikers scoreless as they turned a 2-5 deficit into a 9-5 lead.
Joseph Orillana struck out four in six innings while giving up 11 hits while closer Ronel Peralta allowed just one run in the last three frames to complete the victory for the Dolphins.
“Our pitching was good, especially our closer Ronel (Peralta),” said Cebu coach Isaac Bacarisas. “We also had timely hits because of our good batting.”
Nico Uichico and Joannard Pareja blasted back-to-back two-run hits in the pivotal fifth as the Dolphins broke away from a 4-all count en route to victory.
The tournament is sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre and Philippine Transmarine Corp.