Bulls battle Tigers in baseball season opener

MANILA, Philippines – After a four-month break, Baseball Philippines is back in the fold as its Season V unfurls today with a pair of exciting matches at the Rizal Baseball Stadium.

The Batangas Bulls launch their title campaign when they tangle with the Alabang Tigers, formerly the Muntinlupa Mariners, at 2 p.m. while the Forward Taguig Patriots tackle with the Manila Sharks in the opener at 10:30 a.m.

The Cebu Dolphins, who reigned supreme in Series II and IV, for their part, open their bid for a record third crown as they collide with the Dumaguete Unibikers in a three-game feature tomorrow at 2 p.m.

The Sharks, out to win their first championship, battle the Patriots at 9 a.m. and the Bulls face the Tigers anew in the other Sunday showdowns organized by Community Sports, Inc.

Ushering in the country’s only Major League-sanctioned league is the traditional parade of all six participating teams including four in the inaugural Junior Baseball Philippines.

The JBP, Baseball Philippines’ developmental program that is open to ball players aged 16 to 18 years old, unfolds on May 16 with Palayan/Marikina clashing with Quezon City at 2 p.m. at the Rizal Baseball Stadium and Cagayan squaring off with Alabang at 2 p.m. at the Alabang Country Club.

Aside from the 75-year-old Rizal Baseball Stadium and the Alabang Country Club, BP organizers announced they would also be holding games at the Ateneo de Manila Loyola grounds or the Sto. Nino Baseball Field fronting the historic Marikina River.

Games are set every weekend.