Tigers growl back, edge Bulls

MANILA, Philippines - Alabang overhauled an early eight-run deficit with a series of runs in the middle innings then nipped Batangas in the second extra frame, 13-12, in the opener of Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Matt Laurel came through with a base hit to left field in the 11th, scoring Adrian Bernardo, who singled and stole second to reach scoring position, and capped Alabang’s come-from-behind victory in the event organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre and Philippine Transmarine Corp.

The Bulls earlier peppered Alabang pitcher Carlos Laurel with a series of hits right in the first inning, exploding for eight in what had appeared to be a breeze for the Batangas-based squad. But the Tigers fought back with their own blast in a five-game stretch, tying the game at fifth on a three-run binge before seizing control, 12-9.