MANILA, Philippines - Manila tries to finish off Alabang at resumption of their match that was rained out last May 8 as the Sharks try to formalize their hold of the top seeding in the semifinal round of Baseball Philippines Series 8 at Clark Field Parade Grounds in Pampanga today.
The Sharks lord it over the field with an 8-1 slate, one game ahead of the Cebu Dolphins (7-2), and would want to firm up their hold of the lead with another victory in their 10 a.m. encounter with the also-ran Tigers (2-7).
Manila built an 8-4 lead in the fifth inning when play was halted due to rain.
If they keep the No. 1 spot, the Sharks will have a twice-to-beat advantage against the No. 4 team in the semis of the league organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade and Rawlings.
Cebu, meanwhile, battles Dumaguete in a crucial match at 1 p.m. in the second game of the sixth out-of-town offering of the league backed by Victory Liner, Clark Development Corporation, SM City Clark and San Miguel Corp.
Cebu remains in the hunt of the top spot since a victory by the Dolphins coupled by a loss by the Sharks would give Cebu the No. 1 seeding by virtue of a superior batting average.
The league is also backed by Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park, Emperador Distillers, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio 918.
For details, log on to www.baseballphilippines.com.