Dolphins, Sharks seek to firm up lead

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu and Manila shoot for their sixth win in seven games against struggling rivals today as action in Baseball Philippines Series 8 resumes after a three-week break at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Dolphins face the Taguig Patriots (1-2) in the 9 a.m. opener while the three-peat seeking Sharks are heavily favored against the winless Dumaguete Uni-bikers in their 1 p.m. encounter in the league organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade and Rawlings.

Cebu and Manila are pacing Series 8 so far with a 5-1 win-loss card, three games ahead of third-placer Batangas Bulls.

The Patriots, however, are coming off a big 12-3 rout of the Uni-bikers in an out-of-town game in Barangay Banlic in Cabuyao, Laguna recently.

The Sharks, meanwhile, will be taking on a Dumaguete side hardpressed to break into the scoring column after dropping their first two matches.

Cebu held off Alabang, 13-9, last May 15 while Manila nipped Batangas, 7-6, after 10 innings last May 16 after a game-winning RBI by Jon Jon Robles before the league took a long break.

The league is backed by Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio 918.