Never-say-die Manilans storm to final

MANILA, Philippines - Team Manila pulled off a dramatic 8-7 come-from-behind victory over Puerto Rico yesterday to reach the finals of the 2011 Big League World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Manilans came off a stunning loss to Delaware and looked headed straight for home when they trailed the Puerto Ricans, 7-2, heading into the final two innings.

But they just refused to roll over and die as Cheska Altomente doubled and Chacha Bamba homered to suddenly keep the spirit alive for Team Manila at 7-4.

Veronica Belleza struck out two of the next three batters she faced, and opened up the gates for Team Manila’s remarkable comeback from the jaws of defeat.

Three straight singles by Joy Parilla, Michelle Lentija and Belleza opened up the final inning for Team Manila. Then Parilla stole home after a wild pitch to cut the deficit to 7-5.

Lentija scored on an RBI single by Rizza Bernardino before Annalie Benjamen stepped up to the plate with Belleza on third and Bernardino on second.

Banjamen hit it strong to centerfield, scoring Belleza and sending Bernardino to third base. An errant throw by the Puerto Rican centerfielder gave Bernardino the chance to score.

The Filipino supporters roared after the Manilans sealed the magical win, and most of the players were in tears, celebrating the victory like they had already won the championship.

Team Manila will face Grand Rapids (Central) in the finals, actually a replay of last year’s title clash won by the Americans in runaway fashion.

“It’s payback time for us,” said coach Randy Dizer, anticipating a vengeful win for his team.

“Everyone looked like they were giving up, the crowd was so quiet but we still believed that we can win. Ganyan ang puso ng Pinoy,” said Ana Santiago of the coaching staff.

However, the Manilans will surely miss ace pitcher Veronica Belleza who is ineligible to play in the finals because of the Little League’s rest day rules.

Bernardino, Lentija and Annalie Benjamen will try to fill in the void.

There were also reports that the Grand Rapids team have added five players from a traveling team into the lineup.

The senior girls’ softball team from the Philippines, ILLAM, routed Canada, 10-0, and will only need to win one of its two remaining games to advance to the crossover semis.