By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

The Cadiz Sluggers defeated Hacienda Gaston Marals over the weekend, 3-1, at the Lourdes Ballpark in Manapla to capture the 1st Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. Inter-Hacienda Softball Tournament title.
The Sluggers scored all three runs in the opening inning, with Marals scoring their lone run in the third inning.
An unexpected downpour stuck during the fourth innings, forcing officials to suspend the games. After 10 minutes, the rain stopped and the game resumed.
Sluggers pitcher Eugenio Elinon was named ‘Best Pitcher’ and ‘Most Valuable Player.’
The champions took home P10,000, while the runners-up were awarded P7,000.
Meanwhile, Cadiz-Burgos took third place after defeating Dos Hermanos, 8-7, in a consolation game.
During the closing ceremonies, Manapla Mayor Lourdes Escalante recognized softball players who have represented the town for as long as 50 years. The award recipients included Letecia Itchon, Virgilia Martinez-Palic, Erlinda Ditchella, Clarita Ditchella, Purita Palomo, Terisita Romo, Rosela Hayawon, Hernane Lorica, Eriberto Buison, Ero Terencio, Eric Terencio, Jimmy Gabayeron, Delia Ditchella, Liza Gayatin, Janet Espelera, Genelyn Espelera, and coaches Antonio Oquindo, Jr. and Arturo Aguirre.
“To my fellow local chief executive, let’s honor and recognize our elders who have rendered services, brought pride and recognitions to our cities, towns and our province,” said the mayor.
“With the young kids watching the games, I encourage them to join and play softball,” she added./WDJ