Cebu begins finals duel versus Manila

THE CEBU Dolphins aim to start right in their quest for the championship as they tangle with their arch-nemesis and reigning champions Manila Sharks in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series in the Baseball Philippines Series 9 at the Rizal Memorial baseball stadium.

The Dolphins had the upper hand against the Sharks this season, where they have toppled their rivals two out of three times. But still, the Sharks own two of the league’s last three crowns, both of which were captured at the expense of the Dolphins.

After topping the eliminations, the Dolphins, who last won a crown in Series 4, cruised to a 17-9 victory over Alabang to advance to the finals behind Joennard Pareja, Ram Casey Alipio and Miggy Corcuera.

The Sharks gained the needed momentum after beating the second-seeded Dumaguete twice behind hurlers Warren Vispo, Jayson Dimacutac and Tawi Delos Reyes in their own side of the semis.

Spicing up the finals is an exhibition game between the Alabang Tigers and the Philippine Sakada set at 9 a.m. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio