Vladimyr Eguia twirled a no-hitter as Batangas overpowered a weary Dumaguete, 10-3, yesterday to seize the opener of their best-of-three series for Baseball Philippines’ Series 3 crown at the Rizal Baseball Stadium.
Eguia, playing out of University of the Philippines, dished out an impeccable game in six innings then the Bulls went to third baseman Vio Roxas, who keyed a decisive seven-run binge in the sixth to dominate the Unibikers.
“Vladi (Eguia) played superb at the mound. He carried us in this game,” said Batangas team manager Randy Dizer.
The Bulls gun for the sweep next week although the Unibikers, feeling the inroads of fatigue following four grueling playoff games, try to send the series to a winner-take-all affair.
The Unibikers actually came into the game riding on a four-game streak capped by a king-sized 3-2 win over fancied Manila Sharks Saturday.
But they just couldn’t sustain their momentum against a well-rested and determined Batangas side.
“We’ll definitely go for the clincher,” said Dizer.
Roxas batted in the first run in the bottom third and belted another one that sent centerfielder Teddy Landicho home in the fifth.
That sparked a seven-run blitz highlighted by a three-run homer by pinchhitter Mat Laurel off closer Ramil Placides’ curveball that broke the game wide open.
“I just saw I could hit it and I had a good feel when I finally hit it on his (Placides) pitch,” said the 18-year-old Laurel.
Randy de Leon relieved Eguia then held off a seventh inning fightback by Dumaguete while Jay Laurel, brother of Mat, likewise held his ground to close out the Unibikers.
Fil-Am Justin Zialcita led the Batangas batters by going three-of-four at bat, including a pair of one-run singles in the sixth and seventh innings.
But the day belonged to Eguia.
“I wasn’t expecting to pitch perfectly, I was just obeying my catcher (Junnifer Pinero) in what pitch I’d throw,” said Eguia, a fourth year physical education student who was a former UAAP finals MVP, in Filipino.
Organized by Community Sports Inc., the event is backed by Harbour Centre, IEI, PTC, The Heritage Park, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, San Mig Coffee, Welcoat Paints and Mizuno with Sports Radio 918 as media partner.