MANILA, Philippines - Dumaguete tries to firm up its hold of the lead as it goes for a sweep of its matches against tough rivals Cebu and Batangas in another thrilling doubleheader in Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Parade Grounds in Clark Field, Pampanga today.
The Uni-bikers, showing the way in the six-team field with a 3-1 card, clash with Series 8 runner-up Dolphins in the first game at 9 a.m. before taking on the Batangas Bulls, third placers in the previous series, at 1 p.m.
With its high-powered offense in full throttle, Dumaguete toppled Alabang, 10-3, and Taguig, 18-17, last April 22 to wrest the solo lead in the event organized by Community Sports, Inc.
Against the Dolphins and the Bulls, the Uni-bikers will have to double their effort to sustain their run and remain on top in the tournament sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre, Philippine Transmarine Corp. and Eagle Sky Inc.
Cebu leaned on a home run by Joennard Pareja to outclass Batangas, 17-6, also last April 22, to force a four-way tie for second at 2-2 with Manila, Batangas and Alabang.
In other morning matches also set at 9 a.m., the Alabang Tigers try to check a two-game skid against three-time defending champion Manila Sharks while the Bulls battle the struggling Taguig Patriots (1-3).
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