Team Manila trips host team, nears WS final

MANILA, Philippines - Team Manila exploded with seven runs in the seventh inning yesterday to deal host Kalamazoo its first loss, 10-1, and regain the solo lead in the 2011 Big League World Series in Michigan.

The game was tight early on as the Manilans went into the seventh inning protecting a 3-1 lead. Anna Banjamen highlighted the winning surge with a big homerun.

The Manilans won their first four assignments before splitting their two matches the other day, losing to US Southeast, 6-5, before prevailing over US West, 7-0.

With a 6-1 record, the Manilans now lead the 10-team tournament with two games left. Kalamazoo is running second at 4-1, followed by Michigan (3-1) and Delaware, which is tied with Puerto Rico at 4-2.

The victory also pushed the Manilans closer to the finals.

“They want to win this tournament for the country,” said PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez, who’s been providing the details on Team Manila’s campaign in Michigan.

Team Manila, representing Asia-Pacific, plays Delaware (East) today, and a victory will assure the Philippines of a slot in the finals because of a better low-run differential.

Coach Randy Dizer said there was another incident involving illegal pitch calls against Team Manila, but urged his players to just focus on the game, and win big against the hosts.

There were three illegal pitch calls and questions about the use of illegal bats against Team Manila in its previous games, but they all failed to put the team down.

Gomez said the game against Kalamazoo was closer than what the final score would suggest.

Michelle Lentija delivered her fourth homerun of the tournament as he continued to lead all batters. Also shining for Team Manila were Veronica Belleza and Cheska Altomonte.