Mariners nip Unibikers in big fightback for solo lead

Muntinlupa overhauled a four-run de ficit in the early going then nipped Dumaguete in the extra inning to complete a thrilling come-from-behind 14-13 victory yesterday for the solo lead in Baseball Philippines’ Series IV at the wet and soggy Rizal Baseball Stadium.

Catcher Wilfredo Hidalgo scored the game-winning run on a grounder by pinch-hitter Jun Veloso at the bottom of the 10th inning as the Mariners recorded their third straight win after an opening day setback in the league organized by Community Sports Inc.

Romeo Jasmin yielded nine hits which the Unibikers translated into eight early runs in the first six innings before he was sent to man the outfield in favor of Meljon Aranzazo, who fared no better as he allowed four hits that were converted into four runs, enabling Dumaguete to post a 12-7 lead.

Veloso then came in to stop the Unibikers’ onslaught and although he yielded another run that made it 13-7, he came through with key putouts. Jasmin returned to the mound to cap the Mariners’ big comeback.

First baseman Alejandro Velasquez, who went four-for-five at bat and finished with four hits and batted in five runs, sparked Muntinlupa’s rally with a two-run single to centerfield as the Mariners came through with a four-run barrage at the bottom eighth to close the gap, 11-13.

Pinch-hitter Gilbert Alvarez blasted a single to right field to score right fielder Jerby Diego before veteran second baseman Larry Icban sent Alvarez home with a blast to left centerfield for the game-tying run.

Hidalgo and Veloso then took over in the 10th to break the tie and the hearts of the Unibikers.

“We got some breaks in the late innings, our pitching also held,” said Muntinlupa team manager Roberto Ituralde in Filipino.

Dumaguete, which earlier scored a pair of come-from-behind wins to get back into the middle of the pack, fell to its third defeat against two wins.

Mizuno, Gatorade, Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, Welcoat Paints, Industrial Enterprises, Inc., Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park and Agility Logistics are the chief backers of the tournament with Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, PABA, Sports Radio and Makisig Sports as partners.

Saxon Omandac yielded four hits in three innings while Darwin dela Calzada gave up nine hits that led to 12 whopping runs in six complete innings.

Dumaguete playing manager Lito Pulgo took over the pitching chores in 10th but he bungled a pass to Kiko Ramos at first base, allowing Hidalgo to rush to third base before storming home for the clincher on Veloso’s grounder.