NEWSFLASH

RP BEATS JAPAN TO ENTER BASEBALL FINALS

Manila, Aug. 28, 2000 - Fourteen-year-old Sandy Cerillo pitched a no-hitter, pushing the Philippines to a spectacular victory over title-favorite Japan, 3-1. The RP team thus clinched the first finals berth in the First Asian Junior Nankyu baseball invitational tournament at the Rizal Memorial ballpark.

Cerillo's deadly curve ball gave the Japanese a big headache in seven full innings, while he drew the needed support from catcher Gil Encarnado.

It was the first no-hit performance in Cerillo’s career, and gave the Filipinos a chance of becoming the inaugural champion of the tournament reserved for players aged 14-16 years.

"I gave it my best shot because for me there was no tomorrow. I’m happy with my no-hitter but it was a total team effort, too," said Cerillo who hails from Tanauan, Batangas. The locals earlier beat Singapore Lions, 7-3, while Japan outclassed Singaproe Dragons, 7-0.

In the other match, Chinese Taipei downed Singapore Lions, 5-0.

It was the third win in as many outings for the Filipinos who will go for a sweep for their elimination-round assignments when they go up against Chinese Taipei today at 8 a.m. The outcome of the game will decide which team either Japan or Chinese Taipei goes on to meet the Philippines in the finals set at 2 p.m.

The Japanese, whose lone run came in the bottom of the first inning, closed out the elimination round with a 3-1 record while the Chinese sport a 2-1 slate. Even if a triple tie ensues among the Philippines, Japan and Chinese Taipei at 3-1, the Filipinos will advance to the finals first by virtue of a lower runs allowed among the three teams.

"We’re almost there," said a jubilant Rodolfo ‘Boy’ Tingzon, president of the Philippine Tot Baseball Foundation. "We will just wait for the result of our game against Chinese Taipei to determine whom we will face in the finals. I’m so happy with this victory."

The Filipinos, who defeated the Singapore Dragons, 6-2 Saturday and the Singapore Lions, 7-3, yesterday morning, broke the ice in the first frame when Miguel Corcuerra drove in Encarnado with a sign a single to centerfield.

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Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi