Big Leaguers unbeaten in World Series

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines annexed two more victories in the Big League Softball World Series, thumping EMEA of Italy, 13-0, and thwarting Michigan, 4-1, to wrest the solo lead in Kalamazoo, Michigan Friday.

Rizza Bernardino struck out six batters in three innings while the Filipino clouters made four runs in the first inning then went on a seven-run binge in the third to all but wrap up the match for Team Phl, which also blanked Alice, Texas (Southwest), 10-0, and Canada, 7-0, in the team’s doubleheader Thursday.

Michelle Lentija took over from Bernardino in the fourth and preserved a perfect game for the team with a no-walk, no-hit stint by Italy. She capped the Filipinos’ romp with a homer which tournament director Bud Vanderbergh ruled as the longest homerun in Big League Softball history.

In a rematch of last year’s finals, the Philippines got back at Michigan with a 4-1 decision as Veronica Belleza twirled a no-relief job, pitching 119 times with a ratio of 2:1 for strikes and balls.

Joy Parilla and Belleza delivered two runs at the top of the third, breaking a scoreless game with solid plays, sacrifice bunts and aggressive base running.

It remained close the rest of the match with solid defense by the Filipinas before Bernardino came through with a homer, her third, to key a two-run blitz in the last frame.

“The girls are ready (to vie for the crown). They want to prove that they have what it takes to beat the best in the world,” said coach Ana Santiago.

With a 4-0 card, Team Phl leads the 10-team field, dishing off an impressive 34-1 run difference. The Filipinas play relative easy games against winless California and Florida Saturday, their third doubleheader in as many days.

They, however, face powerhouse Kalamazoo, the other unbeaten team, on Sunday.