CADIZ Sluggers survived the month-long of tough battles at Hacienda Lourdes Ballpark in Manapla, Negros Occidental with a 3-1 victory over Hacienda Gaston Marals on Saturday, June 10, to claim the 1st Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. Inter-Hacienda Softball title.
Best pitcher and eventual Most Valuable Player awardee Eugenio Elinon spearheaded the Sluggers’ quest with great pitching skills. The former Cadiz City star pitcher belied his 60 plus age and still wowed the crowd with his fastballs and a variety of throws.
After the Abelardo Agudo-mentored Sluggers scored three runs in the first inning, the Marals worked hard to catch up with a run in the third inning to cut the lead, 3-1.
With both sides trying to hit additional runs in the fourth under the sun’s scorching heat, the rain unexpectedly poured at the ballpark, forcing the officials to suspend the games. After 10 minutes, the rain stopped and the game resumed as both teams tried to push for more runs, but the scoreboard stood at the end of the seventh.
With the win, the Sluggers went home with P10,000 cash incentive and a trophy while Maral got P7,000 with a trophy.
Other Cadiz Sluggers are Anthony Rosales, Jay and Cielo Canete; Joebert and Nestor Diaz; Danilo and Dionisio Catague; Ulmarie Pope Salutin, Anthony Belera, Melchor Cabalida, Nonilo Manera, Nestor Villaruz, Felimon Magbanua, Nestor Villacin, Mariel Gelmay, and the Elinons – Wenio, Euben, Arvy and Andy; and assistant coach Ulpiano Salutin Jr.
Cadiz-Burgos finished second runner-up after beating Dos Hermanos in a closely fought match, 8-7 after seven innings. Burgos’ Aryvy Besejos and Ruff Belera were also awarded Best Homerun and Best Hitter, respectively.
Manapla Mayor Lourdes Escalante said the tournament will further encourage more teams to compete in future competitions.
“With the young kids watching the games, I encourage them to join and play softball instead of going into drugs and other vices,” she said, adding that the program is part of their continuous fight against illegal drugs.
Also during the closing ceremony, Mayor Escalante and the local government recognized former softball players who served and brought pride to the town 50 years ago.
The awardees included Inter-Scholastic softball competition players Letecia Itchon, Virgilia Martinez-Palic, Erlinda Ditchella, Clarita Ditchella, Purita Palomo, Terisita Romo, Rosela Hayawon, and Hernane Lorica.
Also earning recognition were Palarong Pambansa players Eriberto Buison, Ero Terencio, Eric Terencio, Jimmy Gabayeron, Delia Ditchella, Liza Gayatin, Janet Espelera, Genelyn Espelera, and now international coach Antonio Oquindo Jr., and former regional coach Arturo Aguirre.
“To my fellow local chief executives, let’s honor and recognize our elders who have rendered services, brought pride and recognitions to our cities, towns and our province,” the mayor added.
Also present during the event were Provincial Sports Coordinator Angel Verdeflor and former town mayor Manuel Escalante.
