The Dodgers’ Clint Quitugua attempts to steal home during the semifinal game against the Reds at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Thursday.
The Dodgers’ Mark Villagomez pitches against the Reds in a semifinal game of the 2023 SBL Masters League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Thursday.
THE Dodgers secured their spot in the SBL Masters League finals by eliminating the Reds, 16-4, in their semifinal match at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Thursday
The Dodgers avoided being tagged while stealing bases in the top of the opening inning. The Reds’ pick-off attempts bit them from behind as the infield errors allowed the Dodgers’ first four at bat to reach home plate and seize control before the first out was made.
Nine runs were scored by the Dodgers courtesy of Ed Manibusan, Jeff Cruz and Mark Villagomez, who earned an RBI each.
Their lead grew further after three runs were added, thanks to Bruce Norita’s two-run homer.
Down 0-12, the Reds broke its silence in the bottom of the second with three runs highlighted by Justin Reyes’ two-RBI single. However, their momentum was ended by the Dodgers’ shortstop, Derek Aguon, with two consecutive outs followed by a strikeout.
Neither team scored in the next two innings, but the Dodgers bagged five more runs in the fifth. The Reds scored one run with two players on base. But Dodgers pitcher Mark Villagomez managed to strike out two batters while the shortstop caught the fly ball for the third out that secured the win, 16-4.
The Dodgers will face the Pirates in a best-of-three championship series starting today, Monday, followed by game two on Wednesday, and game three on Friday if necessary.
