Baguio to defend title vs Bayabas in baseball cup

Saturday, February 11, 2012

DEFENDING champion Baguio Central Elementary School and Bayabas Elementary School arranged a titular showdown after beating their respective rivals Saturday in the 7th Davao City Baseball Cup at the University of Mindanao (UM) Matina field.

Baguio edged Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJKIS), 5-4, while Toril-based Bayabas walloped F. Bustamante Central Elementary School-Tibungco, 17-3, in matches witnessed by major sponsor Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club officers headed by Kimio Kawamata and Japanese consul Kazuhiko Anzai.

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Baguio coach Edmundo Barsales said the recent game against PNJKIS was like a tune-up game for them.

"We committed a lot of errors but we will correct them in the championship. We just need to stay focused and determined," Barsales said.

Baguio pitcher Remar Mercadal said in the vernacular, “I will try my best to strike out the batters of Bayabas."

Bayabas coach Letecia Manito, however, said they came prepared for the tournament.

She added, "We are confident to win the title."

Bayabas pitcher Arnel Sadino said, "I will give Baguio batters a difficult time.”

The annual event is jointly organized by the Datu Uchida Development Foundation, Inc. and Davao City Baseball Association.

A total of 15 teams joined this year's edition. (Ruji Peter S. Abat)