Manila South IX nips host team, salvages 3rd

DELAWARE – Asia Pacific champ Manila South edged dethroned titlist Host District 3 Millsboro-Delaware, 3-2, to salvage third place in the Big League Softball World Series Sunday before a packed Connie Mack Field in Lower Sussex County.

Celestine Palma of University of Santo Tomas blasted a three-run home run to give Manila a 3-0 cushion while Mary Ann Antolihao struck out 10 batters to help the Pinays hold off the hosts for the bronze.

Southwest, the team that nosed out Manila from the title picture with an 8-3 victory in Saturday’s semis, went all the way to crown. The side from Louisiana nipped West-California, 9-1, in the championship game.

“If only we were able to keep our composure and limit our errors in the cross-over semifinals, we could have had a shot at the championship,” said Manila Little League Philippines president Rafael “Che” Borromeo. 
“We express our heartfelt thanks to the Filipino community in Delaware for their untiring support and hospitality.” 

Palma belted her third homer of the tourney in the first inning, bringing along center field Cristy Joy Roa of UST and pinch runner Mary Nicole Padasas of Adamson into the plate as Manila got a good headstart.

Delaware fought back hard with second baseman Shelby Wilkins and center fielder Alexis Burger reaching the plate off successive hits at the top of the third.

Manila, the 2012 rulers, got out of a bases-loaded situation with Antolihao striking out first baseman Kylie Nelson for the third out.