Tanauan books Li’l League finals slot

TANAUAN blasted International Little League Association of Manila, 5-2, yesterday to reach the Minor League finals of the Little League Asian Pacific Regional Championships at Clark Parade Grounds in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Drawing a superb outing from Jefferson Vispo, the Tanauan batters scored a repeat win over the ILLAM counterparts to earn the right to face Japan in the finals of the 11-12 division. Vispo belted a two-run homerun to boost Tanauan, which beat ILLAM, 11-7, in the elimination round.

Although Japan outclassed Muntinlupa, 10-0, in the other semifinal pairing, Tanauan coach Ted Landicho is undaunted.

“I think we have a good chance [against them],” said Landicho, whose team suffered a 4-5 setback to the Japanese in the elimination round.

A victory by the Tanauan batters will push the Philippines’ title haul to four in the regional tournament that serves as a qualifier for the World Series tournaments in the United States next month.

The event is backed by PSC, Clark Development Corp., Globe, KFC and Limitless Possibilities.  Cedelf P. Tupas