Dolphins sweep Sharks to take solo lead by Jonas Terrado
(Photo - Jayzee Teofisto)Dolphins 5, Sharks 3
A four-run third inning and solid pitching enabled the Cebu Dolphins to wrest solo leadership in Baseball Philippines Series 4 after tumbling the Manila Sharks anew, 5-3, in Sunday’s opening salvo.
Wide-bodied Miggy Corcuera sparked the Dolphins offense while Jeffrey Ardio, Joseph Orillana and Jerome Bacarisas worked together on the mound to help the Cebu batters win their fourth win in five outings.
Corcuera had just one hit in four times he batted against the Sharks, but his lone hit capped off a four-run second frame when he smacked a bases-loaded, two-run single that pushed home catcher Fulgencio Rances and Emerson Atilano.
Prior to that hit, the Dolphins frustrated the Sharks by loading the bases before Cebu’s Emerson Atilano was hit by a pitch from Manila starter Joseph Albindo for the game’s first run before centerfielder Jonash Ponce was issued a walk on a full-count to make it a 2-0 game.
The scoring-spree in the third frame allowed Cebu’s main hurlers to take control of the game, most especially Orillana.
Orillana, the 2007 Most Valuable Player, overcame a number of hits given by the Sharks by leaving seven men on base in his three-inning stint on the mound.
The biggest threat came in the fourth frame after a sacrifice fly by Edward Landicho that scored Francis Candela put Manila on the board, 4-1. But with the bases-loaded, Orillana was able to retire young Jenald Pareja on a groundout to end the side.
Trailing 5-2, Manila once again put several runners on base, only for the Dolphins to execute several side out throws to second base to leave second base runner Christian Galedo stranded after the sixth.
Although Manila’s got another run in the eighth inning on a Tator RBI single off Bacarisas, the Dolphins went on to secure the win after an easy ninth inning.
Rances, one of the league leaders in batting, had two hits in four times he batted as the Dolphins recorded only nine hits.
Manila suffered its fifth consecutive defeat to fall further in the team standings with a 1-5 record. During the contest, the Sharks left 14 runners on base that prove to be crucial.
The Dolphins and the Sharks return to the field this Saturday to begin their respective weekend tilts.
Cebu battles fiery Muntinlupa Mariners, who is tied for second with the Forward Taguig Patriots at 3-1, at 2pm while Manila meets Series 3 champion Batangas Bulls in the first game at 7am.