PH Series: Illam batters repulse pesky Muntinlupa

MANILA, Philippines — International Little League Association-Manila (Illam) brought Muntinlupa back to earth with an 11-8 victory even as Bulacan and Canlubang topped their respective brackets in the Little League Philippine Series Friday at Marist grounds in Marikina.

Joaquin Mendoza drove in three runs as Illam grabbed a 10-8 lead in the third inning and added another run to complete the scoring and secure the top spot in the Metro Manila division with a 4-0 record.

Muntinlupa still gained the next round as the No. 2 team with a 3-1 card.

Bulacan clobbered Baler, Aurora, 13-2, to lead the North/Central Luzon bracket with a 4-0 card even as Canlubang downed Los Baños, 6-3, to pace the Calabarzon bracket with four wins in as many games.

Canlubang downed Sta. Cruz, Laguna (7-0), Calamba (10-2) and Dasmariñas, Cavite (33-1) in the centerpiece division for 11-12 years old.

In Big League (18-under), Ganduyan Bucks of Sagada, Mountain Province, continued to show superb form in blasting Pampanga, 13-1.

In Bicol/Visayas/Mindanao category of Little League, Zamboanga routed Iloilo, 8-4, to sweep the four-team group. Iloilo still advanced with 3-1 card.

Sta. Rosa routed Zambales, 17-3, while Muntinlupa drubbed Ragay, 15-1, to qualify in Senior League (16-under), while Antipolo crushed Baguio, 20-8, to advance in Junior League.