Manila takes Game 1 in baseball title series

MANILA, Philippines –  Manila showed its championship experience and poise as it blasted ersthwhile undefeated Batangas, 8-2, Saturday to take Game 1 of the Dunkin’ Donuts Baseball Philippines Series 7 finals at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Sharks scored four runs in the seventh inning to pull away from the Bulls and move a win away from sweeping the season’s twin titles in the league presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and organized by Community Sports Inc.

Not even the solo home run by Vio Roxas in the third inning could spark the Bulls’ run the way they did before the finals where they swept their elims matches and swept the Alabang Tigers in the semis.

“I really think experience-wise, we have an advantage and in this game, we showed just that,” said Manila coach Jhoel Palanog.

Game 2 is set Dec. 18, also at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

United States Ambassador Harry Thomas and National University’s Arlene Royo, a former UAAP member and tournament organizer of the UAAP baseball and softball tournaments, made the ceremonial pitch to start the best-of-three championship series

Junifer Pinero hit an RBI single to close out the Sharks’ scoring binge in the seventh inning, aided by Batangas’ errors and a wild pitch for an 8-2 lead.

Batangas looked headed for a big rally as Charles Catangui’s sacrifice fly scored Carlo Banzon in the sixth. With Roxas on second, Manila’s Saxon Omandac made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch with two outs, foiling S.J. San Juan’s bid for an RBI and an extra base.

Earlier, Fulgencio Rances scored the winning run on a wild pitch as the Cebu Dolphins settled for third place honors, edging the Alabang Tigers, 7-6, in the 11th inning.

The league is sponsored by Gatorade, Rawling’s, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Harbour Centre and The Heritage Park with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and Sports Radio 918 AM as partners.