Dolphins gain share of the lead in BPS 9

The Cebu Dolphins once again found their way atop the standings along with the Dumaguete Uni-Bikers as they scored on late rallies to defeat their respective opponents in the Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Parade Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga late Sunday.

The Dolphins scored two runs in the eighth inning to defeat the three-time defending champion but skidding Manila Sharks, 6-4, while the Uni-bikers overcame a two-run deficit in the final two innings to beat the Batangas Bulls, 4-3.

Cebu and Dumaguete surged ahead of the six-team field with identical 7-3 (win-loss) cards, dropping erstwhile co-leader Manila to third at 6-4.

Cebu head coach Isaac Bacarisas blasted the go-ahead run while Ram Casey Alipio tallied an RBI on a sacrifice fly as the Dolphins came through with two runs in the eighth to break a 4-4 count.

Herxel Fortunato singled and advanced to second base on a walk to Joennard Pareja, setting up Bacarisas, who slammed a single to score Fortunato and push Pareja to third base. A flyball putout on Alipio to centerfield allowed Pareja to score for a two-run lead. Correspondent Jonas Panerio