PH batters near 4 As-Pac titles

CLARK FREEPORT—The Philippines primed itself for a dominant finish in the 2013 Asia-Pacific and Middle East tournament following impressive victories yesterday that put the country’s bets in title contention in four divisions at Clark Parade Grounds here.

The hosts were poised to sweep all divisions in softball after explosive performances by Manila South in Big League, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, in Senior League and Iloilo Province in Junior League against their Indonesian counterparts.

Manila, powered by standouts who led the country to the World Series title in Kalamazoo, Michigan, last year, banked on a fiery start to score a runaway 18-0 regulation blanking of Indonesia, before Sta. Cruz also posted a 10-0 romp.

Iloilo Province, looking to duplicate the feat of their Little League counterparts who have already ruled their division last Wednesday, drubbed Indonesia, 22-0.

The three teams can claim the title and punch their tickets to the World Series with victories over Guam today in the final assignment of their double-round tournaments.

International Little League Association of Manila also continued its surge in Senior League baseball with a 6-1 victory over New Zealand to clinch a place in the finals on Saturday.

The Illam batters will face Saipan, a 3-0 winner over Hong Kong in the other semifinal battle, for the crown on Sunday with the winner advancing to the World Series.

“The boys are ready (for the finals) and they’re in good spirits,” said Illam team manager Arsenic Laurel.

Relying on solid hitting and clever base running, Illam grabbed a 4-0 lead after four innings. Boo Barandiaran belted a two-run home run in the second frame, Rafael Esguerra doubled home Barandiaran and Ponz Balagtas also scored on a catcher’s error in the fourth.