Week 6: Dumaguete, Cebu remain ahead

Dumaguete and Cebu overwhelmed their rivals Sunday afternoon to remain in the lead of Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Parade Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

The Uni-bikers blanked three-time defending champion Manila Sharks, 6-0, while the Dolphins routed the Batangas Bulls, 16-4, to grab their ninth win in 12 outings and stay well ahead of the rest of the pack.

With their victories, Dumaguete and Cebu are on pace for the twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals after they gained a two-game lead over Manila entering the late stretch of the league organized by Community Sports Inc.

In the other game, Alabang defeated Taguig, 9-2, to solidify its hold of fourth place with a 5-7 win-loss card.

Ferdinand Liguayan and Marcial Garte took turns on the mound for the Uni-bikers with a five-hit shutout. Dumaguete also leaned on a three-run first inning with Mike Gante and Arvin Plaza drilling run-scoring hits early in the game.

The Sharks dropped to a 7-5 win-loss slate but also gained a semifinal seat due to the result of the Alabang-Taguig match.

Dumaguete also leaned on its three-run first inning with Mike Gante and Arvin Plaza drilling run-scoring hits early in the game.

Joseph Orillana, Miggy Corcuera and Ram Casey Alipio led the offensive assault for the Dolphins, who pelted the Bulls with 21 hits including a six-run sixth inning to wrap up the match.

The Bulls and the Patriots are at the cellar with a 3-9 card.

The league is sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre, Philippine Transmarine Corp., Summit Water and Eagle Sky Inc. with the backing of Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association and the Philippine Umpires Association.

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