Sharks overcome Tigers; Dolphins force do-or-die

MANILA, Philippines - Manila survived an exhausting 14-inning contest, beating Alabang, 11-10, to claim the first finals seat in Baseball Philippines Series 5 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium yesterday.

Veteran Edito Justo scored all the way from second base on a throwing error by third baseman King Manay following a bunt by Christian Galedo as the Sharks eventually won what went down as the second longest match in league history.

The Sharks beat the Tigers in the match lasting for more than five hours, gaining a first finals appearance since the Series 2.

Later in the day, Cebu overpowered Batangas, 6-1, to force a rubber match in their own semifinals duel.

The Dolphins and the Bulls dispute the second finals berth in a do-or-die battle at 10:30 a.m. today.

“We made a lot of blunders, especially on base-running. But good thing, we were able to shrug off those mistakes to win the game,” said Manila playing team manager Jhoel Palanog.

The league’s longest game came in Series 4 last Nov. 29 when Alabang (then Muntinlupa Mariners) beat the Batangas Bulls, 5-4, in 16 innings.

Facing his former team, Justo began the bottom of the 14th by reaching first base on a fielding error by shortstop Andres Borromeo before advancing to second on a wild pitch by relief pitcher Jay Laurel.

A bunt by Galedo enabled Justo to reach the third. Justo then went all the way home as Manay threw wild to first baseman Matt Laurel.

The Sharks actually fell behind by five runs, 3-8, in the fourth frame after Matt Laurel came through with a three-run blast off Joseph Albindo.

However, Manila slowly recovered, coming within 6-8 before making a four-run binge in the seventh frame to surge ahead at 10-8.

Justo capped the decisive attack with a two-run single, sending in Natividad and JB Castro.