BAGUIO Legends battled from a 0-6 deficit after two innings, before closing out Cabanao Condors, 14-12, to claim the championship in the slow-pitch competition in the Third Lawana Cup during the weekend.
Trailing 0-6 at the end of two innings, the Legends cut the deficit into half, 3-6, midway third then racked-up five more points in the seventh to claim the lead, 8-6.
The Condors however would not go away without a fight, scoring six straight points at will to retake an 8-12 lead at the end of the seventh inning.
Sensing urgency, the Legends stormed the bases with six more runs on top of the eight for a 14-12 advantage then shut out Cabanao’s hope of retaking the lead in the final two innings to seal the victory.
In the baseball competition, Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) 20198 national champion and reigning Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) defending titlist University of the Cordilleras topped the contest after disposing Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) bound Baguio squad while Baguio Classic came in third.
UC Jaguars also finished third in the slow-pitch competition.
In the junior division, Baguio’s high school squad who will compete in the upcoming Caraa this March took home the championship with Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) team Blue Jays and BCNHS team Orioles was second and third.
Individual awardees in junior baseball are Diosdado Cornelia (best pitcher), Salwine Manimbayan (most home run) and Jhazel Ferrer who took home the best catcher and best hitter honors.
Jasper Bryan Bravo was named best pitcher in the seniors category with Jon Carlo Pandosen as best catcher, Elaizer Kirk Lapena as best hitter and Angelito Garwageo with most home run.
Ben Ballucan won the best pitcher plum in slo-pitch with Virgilio Lapeña as most defensive player, while Ryan Lapeña had the most homerun as Norman Danglay was named best slugger and Prado Digmayo bagging the golden glove award.
The event, organized by Councilor Michael Lawana with UC and BCNHS coach Rafael Lapeña aims to bring back the glory of batted balls in the city.
Lawana said batted balls are one of the several sports where Cordillerans can excel.