Cebu Dolphins escape Alabang Tigers in Baseball Philippines Series 9 tilt

THE CEBU Dolphins needed extra innings to subdue the Alabang Tigers, 7-6, while the Manila Sharks and Dumaguete Uni-Bikers also notched wins over their respective opponents to remain in the three-way logjam in the Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Parade Grounds in Clark Field, Pampanga yesterday.

Ramil Magno drove home the winning run in the 14th frame, lifting the Dolphins to another hard-fought victory over the Tigers, whom they also nipped, 9-8, last May 6.

The win kept Cebu in step with Manila, which defeated Batangas, 7-4, and Dumaguete, which repulsed Taguig, 9-4, for 5-2 (win-loss) records.

The frontrunners were still playing at presstime with the Dolphins taking on the Patriots and the Sharks and Uni-bikers disputing the lead.

Joennard Pareja singled and stole second base to set up the winning run as Magno ended the marathon game with a single that proved enough for Pareja to score and give Cebu the edge

Alabang nearly took the win in regulation after scoring two runs in the top of the ninth for a 6-5 lead.

But the Dolphins forced extension as Ram Casey Alipio singled home Christian Maghanoy, who hit a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Johndel Tolosa in the bottom ninth. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio