Phl Habagat rout Russians

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Habagat blew past a weary Russia in a regulated five-inning victory, 26-1, to serve notice of its title bid in the PONY League Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium yesterday.

Marvin Trillana, a 12-year, Grade 7 student at University of Santo Tomas, belted a two-run inside-the-park home run that sparked a wild 10-run binge in the second inning and turned what had seemed to be a close match into a ghastly rout.

Trillana also pitched in the first two innings, striking out two hitters while allowing just one run that diminutive but lightning-quick Igor Sheherbarov cashed in for the Russians’ only run in the match that was cut short via mercy rule.

“I just waited for the ball to go into the strike zone and I just hit it hard,” said Trillana in Filipino.

The win thus sealed Habagat a spot in tomorrow’s semis. The hosts play the dangerous Japanese at 1 p.m. today.

The 21-man delegation Russian team actually had to endure a 24-hour ordeal in Hong Kong where they were allegedly held by the government and Cathay Pacific for lack of documents.

When Russian coach Vladimir Beliaev asked for compensation for the hotel and transportation expenses due to the delay, Cathay Pacific suddenly gave them tickets to the Phl. They arrived Saturday night.

“The team was supposed to arrive two days before but because of the delay, they just didn’t get enough rest for this game. It was really tiring and frustrating for the whole team that they almost decided to fly back home,” said Marian Regina Calimosa, Russia’s interpreter.

Habagat coach Mike Ochosa said he might field in three or four pitchers starting with Stephen delos Santos and Basil Taylo against the Japanese in this event backed by McDonald’s, Purefoods, Gatorade, Magnolia Purewater, Nutrilite, Jamba Juice, Angel’s, Country Style Donuts.

“The boys were a little nervous at the start but they recovered,” said Ochosa. “Against Japan, we can’t afford mistakes because we all know Japan likes to pounce on each one of them.

“We’re also expecting Japan to test us with their varying pitchers as well as their strong batters, we hope to be ready against them,” he added.

Earlier, Taiwan blanked a hapless Indonesia side, 20-0, to likewise open its title bid on a bright note.

The Taiwanese were playing Korea at press time yesterday.

The winner of the six-nation regional meet for clouters 11 to 12 years old will represent Aspac in the PONY International World Series slated Aug. 1-4 in Los Alamitos, California.

“Our initial target is to make it to the Final Four and once we’re there, anything can happen. We’re hoping our countrymen will flock to the Rizal Memorial to support our team and give them the boost,” said Pony League Philippines chief Rodolfo “Boy” Tingzon Jr.