PHILIPPINES – Ernesto Binarao proved his worth as one of the top pitchers in Baseball Philippines after tossing a complete game effort, helping the Forward Taguig Patriots to enter the win column by beating the Manila Sharks, 5-2.

The 30-year old southpaw from Zamboanga struck out six batters while giving up just five hits to become the first pitcher in the two-month tournament to toss a complete game effort

But the national team member was not alone, as shortstop Jeffrey Hardillo drilled three hits with three RBI’s to lead a 14-hit effort by the Patriots.

Taguig evened its record to 1-1 for third in the standings behind the Cebu Dolphins (2-0) and the Muntinlupa Mariners (2-1).

Binarao (1-1) was on the verge of pitching a shutout after eight scoreless innings. But the Sharks managed to score two runs as Nino Tator belted an RBI double that scored JB Castro while Marvin Malig hit a sacrifice fly to right fielder Roel Empacis, allowing third base runner Rommel Roja to touch home plate.

Manila’s slim hopes of a rally ended though as Binarao fanned playing coach Jhoel Palanog with Tator at third to end the game.

Hardillo led a three-run first inning for Forward Taguig after drilling a one-out, RBI single to push home Ryan Garcia. Two innings later, Hardillo gave the Patriots a 4-0 lead when he hit a single to left that scored Garcia for the second time.

In the seventh frame, a double to left field by Hardillo drove Empacis home for Taguig’s fifth run of the afternoon.Binarao, who was named as the Best Pitcher in Series 1, allowed just two hits through six innings as the Sharks struggled to put a runner in scoring position.

However, Tator and Malig reached second and first, respectively, in the seventh only to be left stranded after Palanog retired on a ground out to end the inning.

Palanog, who was hitless in two at-bats after entering the sixth inning as a shortstop, appeared as a player for the first time since July 8, when the Sharks won, 5-3, to claim third place against the Cebu Dolphins in Series 1.

The defeat sent Manila into a three-way tie for fourth place at 1-2, joining Series 3 champion Batangas Bulls and runner-up Dumaguete Uni-Bikers.

Losing pitcher Charlie Labrador (0-1) threw for six innings but gave up 10 hits and four runs before he was replaced by reliever Mick Natividad.

In other action, the Muntinlupa Mariners defeated the Batangas Bulls, 6-2.

(Jonas Terrado is the Lead Writer for the Baseball Philippines League website.)

Visit Baseball Philippines and Pinoy Baseball for more BP Coverage

Tags: Philippines