Rances steals spotlight, propels North to 7-2 win vs South

The North and South All-Stars took center stage for this year’s Baseball Philippines’ All-Star Game Sunday at the Alabang Country Club. But one man shone as the brightest of them all – Fulgencio Rances. Rances delivered the go-ahead run in the sixth inning to shatter a 2-2 standoff then came through with a two-run double in the next frame to propel North to a 7-2 triumph over South. Virgilio Roxas also homered in the seventh and last inning to highlight North’s 11-hit output against the South pitchers. North was composed of national team members while South was made up of some of the best collegiate players. In the end, experience played a pivotal role for the wards of North handler Randy Dizer. “It wasn’t hard coaching them because they know what to do being the more experienced players. We just let them play," said Dizer, who was assisted on the bench by Cebu team manager Isaac Bacarisas. US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas threw the ceremonial pitch and was joined by Community Sports Inc. officials led by Chito Loyzaga. The event was held in commemoration of the Fil-American Friendship Day. Veterans Ernesto Binarao, Charlie Labrador and Darwin Dela Calzada allowed nine hits in the seven-inning exhibition game. Labrador was accounted for two runs scored by the South in the fourth inning. The North pushed in a run each in the second and fourth innings with Chris Canlas being involved in both plays. His deep hit to left field allowed Ferdinand Recto, who boarded base on a fielder’s choice, stole second and advanced to third off a fielding error, to score the first run. - RCJ, GMANews.TV