Newly-acquired Romeo Jasmin proved why he was a key addition for the
Batangas Bulls as they rallied past the upset-minded Dumaguete Uni-Bikers, 2-1,
at the resumption of Baseball Philippines Series 5 at the Rizal Memorial
Baseball Stadium.
Jasmin, received in a trade with the Alabang Tigers (formerly Muntinlupa
Mariners), kept the Uni-Bikers hitless in the last five innings of the contest
while scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh on a gutsy steal from third base
that pushed the Bulls to their third win in as many games to grab sole
possession of first place.
Mariners), kept the Uni-Bikers hitless in the last five innings of the contest
while scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh on a gutsy steal from third base
that pushed the Bulls to their third win in as many games to grab sole
possession of first place.
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Earlier, the two-time champion Cebu Dolphins pulled away with a six-run
seventh inning in cruising past the cellar-dwelling Forward Taguig Patriots,
8-1.
Earlier, the two-time champion Cebu Dolphins pulled away with a six-run
seventh inning in cruising past the cellar-dwelling Forward Taguig Patriots,
8-1.
The Dolphins improved to their second win in as many games following a 17-7
massacre of Dumaguete last Sunday while the Patriots succumbed to their third
consecutive setback.
massacre of Dumaguete last Sunday while the Patriots succumbed to their third
consecutive setback.
A former UAAP Most Valuable Player and reigning Best Pitcher for champion
Adamson University, Jasmin also had two strikeouts and walked two batters since
replacing ace pitcher Vladimir Eguia at the start of the fifth inning.
Adamson University, Jasmin also had two strikeouts and walked two batters since
replacing ace pitcher Vladimir Eguia at the start of the fifth inning.
“His addition has really helped the team, especially with the new
pitch count rule. It helps solidify our rotation,” Batangas team manager
Randy Dizer said of Jasmin.
pitch count rule. It helps solidify our rotation,” Batangas team manager
Randy Dizer said of Jasmin.
Jesse Natanauan was responsible for tying the game at 1-1 after he hit a
single to right field that delivered home second base runner Ericson Eguia with
two outs in the seventh frame.
single to right field that delivered home second base runner Ericson Eguia with
two outs in the seventh frame.
Then, Dumaguete catcher Edmer del Socorro gambled by trying to pickoff a
stealing Natanauan at second base. This allowed Jasmin, who reached third on the
earlier hit, to score Batangas’ second run of the contest.
stealing Natanauan at second base. This allowed Jasmin, who reached third on the
earlier hit, to score Batangas’ second run of the contest.
Uni-Bikers’ ace lefty Darwin dela Calzada didn’t mind the 75-pitch
count limit as he hurled a no-relief effort, fanning four batters and gave up
seven hits in 99 pitches thrown as they remained winless with a record of 0-2.
count limit as he hurled a no-relief effort, fanning four batters and gave up
seven hits in 99 pitches thrown as they remained winless with a record of 0-2.
Meanwhile, centerfielder Jonash Ponce had two RBIs (runs-batted-in),
including one in the seventh inning that propel the Dolphins to pull away.
Cebu starter Joseph Orillana, the Series 4 MVP, had four strikeouts in four
innings of work and kept the Taguig offense off as he allowed just one run and
three hits to earn the win.
