THE Davao City Pirates, bannered by seasoned players, grabbed the runner-up honors after bowing to the Philippine Air Force, 3-8, in the 2nd Tadeco Softball Tournament Mindanao Open that concluded Sunday at Tadeco field in Panabo City.
The Pirates, according to player Vincent Ryan Sarabia, said they had a hard time in the finals against the PAF squad.
"Kusog kaayo mamalo, mas praktisado sila kaysa sa amoa (They are strong hitters and had more practice than us)," Sarabia, who coaches the University of Mindanao (UM) baseball team, said in a Facebook interview Monday, July 22.
PAF also crushed Davao City Pirates, 12-1, in the semifinals game but the latter bounced back by routing BXU Yankees, 10-2, in the playoff to advance to the finals. BXU Yankees earlier edged Matatag Logistics of Butuan City, 3-2, in the other semifinals game.
The Dabawenyos, managed by playing coach Edipolo Sarabia, Sr., also eked out victories over Tagum City, 6-5, Matatag Logistics, 5-0, Chatbals of Misamis Oriental, 6-4.
PAF, for its part, soared to the championship match unbeaten in four games. The Airmen also defeated BXU Yankees, 9-1, Digos City, 7-0, and Tadeco, 9-4, in the elimination round.
Davao was also composed of Severino Miras Jr., Romeo Garaygay Jr., Edmer Del Socorro, Denver Largo, Rich Field Custodio, Emmanuel Vinoya, Edgardo Baniog Jr., Jorge Madaje Jr., Jayson Acuña, Paul Juson, Paul John Juson, Jester Dave Mansalayao and Mark Dave Avenido.