Manila softbelles rout Puerto Rico, stay alive

SLOWLY HITTING top form, Team Manila overpowered Latin American squad San Juan, Puerto Rico, 7-0, Saturday to keep its title hopes alive in the 2010 Big League (16-18) Softball World Series at the Vanderberg Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Julie Marie Muyco produced a no-hit, no-run four-inning start and reliever Veronica Belleza gave up four hits in three innings as the Manila softbelles scored their second straight victory to even their card at 2-2. Playing the second of six must-win games, the Filipinos, backed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala, refused to waver, forging ahead at 4-0 in the third inning en route to the convincing win that put them in a tie for fourth with the US East squad from Delaware. After bowing to US Central squad Grand Rapids, 1-2, and US Southeast team Florida, 4-7, in their first two games, the Manila softbelles clash with US East today with the loser kissing its championship hopes goodbye. Host Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and West Monroe of Louisiana remain unbeaten in four games. Kalamazoo, which Manila will face on Monday, ruled the tournament last year. West Monroe, the Manila softbelles’ opponents on Tuesday, is bannered by the team that took the title in the Senior League (14-16) World Series. Marlyn Francisco and Michelle Maca-tangay belted two hits each and accounted for four runs as they anchored Manila’s strong start.