Rizal, IIoilo arrange li'l league softball title showdown

MANILA, Philippines - Powerhouse Rizal blanked Tarlac, 11-0, behind Shaira Damasing’s solid pitching to set up a title clash with Iloilo in the 2012 Little League Philippine Series at Clark Field, Pampanga yesterday.

Damasing outclassed Tarlac ace Arlene Bautista in their duel at the mound inside the former US Air Force Base to power the unbeaten Rizal side to the win in little league softball.

Tanauan, the reigning big league champion, whipped Bicol bet Camarines Norte, 11-1, to advance to the semis while Muntinlupa routed Cebu North, 7-0, also in big league baseball.

The Batanguenos actually scored a double kill as Lipa edged Marikina, 15-14, in major league baseball.

ILLAM also posted double wins by crushing newcomer Zambales, 22-3, in little league softball and nipping Marikina, 8-7, in senior league baseball.

ILLAM competed in all divisions except in big league softball of the tournament, which featured 98 teams from 37 charters.

The Rizalians dominated the Tarlacqueñas with crisp hits on their way to the easy win and a stint in the finals to the delight of former Blu Boys and World softball veteran Jose Pinga.