PHILIPPINES – Cebu Dolphins kicked of its bid to return to the finals on the right foot with a 14-9 victory over the Taguig Patriots in the Philippines League (Baseball Philippines Series IV) season opener on Saturday. Cebu collected 18 hits of three Taguig pitchers in a high-scoring slugfest at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Dolphins came off the gates swinging and never looked back. Fulgencio Rances, who lead Cebu in hits last season, clubbed his 1st home run in his early Baseball Philippines career which broke the game open. Miggy Corcuera also contributed a bases-clearing double in the 6th inning putting the game out of reach for the Patriots.

Taguig had their moments but failed to capitalize with runners in scoring position. However,the Patriots managed to pull closer over last few innings as the Cebuanos became quite complacent on defense with a string of defensive slip-ups and errors allowing four late runs to cross the plate.

But in the end the Dolpins behind brilliant moves from manager Isaac Bacarisas, sealed the game and took home the 1st win of the season in style.

In other season-opening action, the Manila Sharks tagged former pitcher Romeo Jasmin for three first-inning runs en route to a 12-4 win over the Muntinlupa Mariners, and the defending Series III Champions, Batangas Bulls, downed the Dumaguette Uni-bikers, 6-4.

Series IV Standings

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Tags: Philippines