The Dodgers’ Geoffrey Cruz attempts a pitch during a 2024 SBL Masters League game at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
THE Dodgers continue to hold on to their top-three ranking in the 2024 SBL Masters League after securing their fifth win of the season by trouncing the Falcons, 16-7, at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Wednesday.
The Dodgers’ Geoffrey Cruz, who led off the lineup, wreaked havoc early in the infield, advancing to first base on an error and then stealing his way to third.
Rob Bansil then capitalized on a scoring opportunity with a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Cruz to cross home plate while Bansil earned an RBI and gave his team the lead.
In the bottom of the first inning, the Falcons scored a run, with Bruce Norita driving in an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers continued to play the role of the aggressors. The power of Ed Manibusan and Tim Wesley was on full display as they each hit a triple, with Wesley driving in Manibusan for an RBI. Wesley was then brought home by a single from Mark Villagomez, and five more runs were added in the top of the third inning. The Falcons managed just one run, trailing 1-9.
The Dodgers continued to excel, adding three runs in the top of the fourth, while the Falcons showed signs of life, responding with five runs in the bottom half to stay within reach at 7-12.
However, that was the end for the Falcons, as they were held scoreless in the remaining two innings, while the Dodgers solidified their victory with two runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to seal the deal, 16-7.
Mark Villagomez led the Dodgers in the stats, going 3 for 4 at the plate with four RBIs.
