DEFENDING champion Davao Region absorbed a 4-7 stunning loss to Soccsksargen in men’s baseball competition of the National Prisaa Games 2019 at the University of Mindanao (UM) field Monday, May 20.

Davao, whose core players are from the University of Mindanao (UM), put up a good start as pitcher Jester Dave Mansalayao, hailed most valuable player (MVP) in Bohol last year, struck out their rival’s batters in the first inning.

But Soccsksargen, who finished fourth in the 2018 Games, later regained momentum to secure the victory in the event supported by the city government of Davao, Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education (Ched).

Davao coach Vincent Ryan Sarabia, in an interview with SunStar Davao, said they hope to bounce back in their two remaining games in the group.

“Napildi mi pero naa pay paglaum kay naa paman miy dula (We lost but we still have hope since we still have two games left),” he said.

He will again lean on Mansalayao, Mark Dave Avenido, Irvin James Bagnol, Weliam Balaba, Edlie Butulan, Johnwil Cadotdot, Marvin del Norte, Jan Mart Garcia, Jason Lata, Maurice Mañalac, Jose Roly Millena, Joshua Minguillan, Erickson Miniao, and Karven Pirote.

Davao and Soccsksargen are grouped with Central Visayas and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Meanwhile, 2018 silver medalist Soccsksargen blanked Davao region, 3-0, in women’s softball event. Davao was a semifinalist in Bohol last year.

SunStar Davao’s coverage is backed by major sponsors Matina Enclaves, Santos Land Development, 8890 Holdings, Inc., Anflocor, Sky Cable and Pagcor and minor sponsors Aeon Luxe Properties, Davao Doctors College, GH Office Depot, Grand Land, Inc., Alu Hotel, Davao Medical School Foundation, NCCC and Office of the Special Assistant to the President.