Manila Softbelles Gun for Crown in World Series

HEMET, California—Team Manila–Philippines battles defending champion Central Hemet Xplozion in the title match Sunday (3 a.m. Monday in Manila) in the 2017 Pony International 18-U Girls Softball World Series at Diamond Valley Park here.

Manila topped its pool in the group competition with a 4-0 record after beating the East Hemet Screaming Eagles in just four innings, 10-0.

Pitcher Alma Tauli again delivered a sterling performance with four strike outs and four no run innings, placing the 16-year-old stunner from Norzagaray, Bulacan, as one of the best pitchers in the Series.

At the bottom of the first inning, short stop Angelu Gabriel had a run off an RBI by center fielder Christine Bautista to put the Softbelles ahead, 1–0.

Then at the bottom of the second, right fielder Khrisha Cantor and catcher Aliza Pichon both had one run each through a hit by left fielder Jojielyn Lim to complete a two-run play for a 3–0 lead.

Manila scored two other runs courtesy of third baseman Madaelene Dumaog and Cantor off an RBI by first baseman Kevyn Lacson who also had a run off a hit by Lim at the bottom of the third.

Three more runs were scored by the Softbelles courtesy of Bautista off an RBI by second baseman Therese Macasaet, who in turn had a run herself off a hit by Cantor, who scored through a catching error to seal the match, 10-0.