Philab nine tops PSC tournament

MANILA, Philippines — Philab used its experience and deeper bench to overcome Ateneo, 5-2, Saturday and capture the PSC Commissioners’ Cup baseball championship at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

It was the Ballbusters’ second straight title after topping the Chairman’s Classic last year but the heavy tournament favorite did not dominate as expected, encountering tough opposition in the 14-squad tourney.

Philab avenged its only defeat at the hands of the Eagles, UAAP titlists the past two years. It also struggled past Rizal Technological twice to make the semifinals.

Philab’s Jonash Ponce was later named MVP, Best Hitter, Best Slugger, Most Home runs (two) and Most RBIs (eight). Earlier, Philippine Air Force downed Santo Tomas U, 8-3, to salvage third place.