Sharks clinch semis slot

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Sharks wore down the Cebu Dolphins, 10-9, at resumption of their suspended match to clinch the other outright semifinal berth in Baseball Philippines Series 5 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium yesterday.

Former Adamson stalwart Jake Ilao drilled a two-ball, one-strike pitch from losing pitcher Jerome Bacarisas in the 12th inning to score Jarus Inobio with two outs as the Sharks wrested the lead before reliever Joseph Albindo preserved the victory in the bottom half.

Manila thus ended its classification round campaign with a 7-3 (win-loss) record for second place behind the unbeaten Batangas Bulls while Cebu settled for third with a 5-5 card.

Manila and Cebu fought to a 9-all count after 11 innings when play was suspended two weeks ago.

The Dolphins face the Dumaguete Uni-Bikers in the quarterfinals starting today with the former holding a twice-to-beat advantage.

The Alabang Tigers and the Forward Taguig Patriots clash in the other quarterfinal duel with the latter needing to beat the Tigers twice to advance.

Inobio opened the 12th frame with a single before going to second base on a fielders’ choice. The top NU Bulldog then stole third, setting up Ilao for the game-winning hit.

“It’s a great momentum-builder for us heading into the semifinals,” said Manila team manager Jhoel Palanog.

Earlier, the Dolphins beat the Uni-Bikers, 17-11, in the first game of the tournament sponsored by Gatorade, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc., Harbour Centre and the Heritage Park with partners Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio.

Cebu led, 11-4, until Dumaguete bounced back with seven unanswered runs in the sixth and seventh innings to force a tie.

But Sebastian Uichico scored Jonard Pareja on an RBI single while Miggy Corcuera and Bacchus Ledesma drove in two runners each on a pair of hits in the eighth as the Dolphins regained control en route to the victory.