Sharks one away from semis berth
by Jonas Terrado
Sharks 8, Uni-Bikers 7
The Manila Sharks moved within one victory of claiming the last outright semifinals berth after surviving past the Dumaguete Uni-Bikers, 8-7, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Trailing 4-3 in the seventh frame, the Sharks registered a telling five-run binge to grab the lead for good and held off a mini-run by the Uni-Bikers late to preserve the victory.
It was Manila's sixth victory in nine games to remain in second place behind early semifinalists Batangas Bulls. The Sharks can clinch a spot in the semis if they could the Cebu Dolphins in a makeup game set next week.
Both teams were tied at 9-9 after 11 innings when play was halted last May 10.
Centerfielder Jarus Inobio starred in Manila's comeback as he hit a two-run triple for a commanding lead. It was his only hit in five at-bats.
Mick Natividad pitched a no-relief effort and gave up seven runs off 10 hits. It didn't help that the Sharks' defense was sloppy all afternoon, committing seven errors.
The loss put Dumaguete down to fifth place at 3-6 and would need to beat the Cebu Dolphins on Saturday to secure fourth spot in the one-game playoff. The Uni-Bikers hold a tiebreaker over the Alabang Tigers (4-6) after winning twice in their head-to-head encounter.
Trailing 3-0 in the sixth, Saxon Omandac hit an RBI triple while Marlon Caspillo drilled an RBI double in a four-run binge to give Dumaguete the lead.
But Manila threatened to load the bases before third base runner Kevin Cruz scored on a passed ball by reliever Christian de Leon.
The Sharks played without national team members Nino Tator, Charlie Labrador, Francis Candela and Rommel Roja while the Uni-Bikers also missed RP team mainstays Darwin dela Calzada and Andro Cuyugan.