Uni-bikers, Dolphins zero in on top two spots

MANILA, Philippines - Dumaguete and Cebu rolled past their respective rivals in varying fashions to remain on track for twice-to-beat edges in the next round of Baseball Philippines Series Series 9 at the Parade Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga yesterday.

The Uni-bikers routed the Taguig Patriots, 12-5, while the Dolphins held off the Alabang Tigers, 9-7, to notch their eighth victories against three defeats for a share of the lead heading to the final stretch of the elims of the Community Sports Inc.-organized league.

Dio Remollo slammed a two-run home run in the second inning, sparking the Uni-bikers’ five-run binge en route to victory.

Ferdinand Liguayan and Mike Gante added two RBIs each as Dumaguete sustained its impressive run in the league sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre, Philippine Transmarine Corp., Summit Water and Eagle Sky Inc.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, pounced on the Tigers’ sloppy fielding marred by 11 errors for a 9-0 lead midway in the seventh frame.

Alabang struck back with a four-run roll in the eighth and a two-run homer by Matt Laurel in the ninth but the deficit proved too much.

 as pitcher Christian Maghanoy preserved the victory for the Dolphins.

Meanwhile, the Manila Sharks gave up two runs in the first inning but racked up six in the fifth to defeat the Batangas Bulls, 6-2, and keep solo third with a 7-4 card.

Other backers of the league are the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association and the Philippine Umpires Association.

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