Sancho Afuang’s flawless day at the plate, combined with clutch hitting from Tres Saguisag, led Kohi to a commanding 12-7 win over ENTOM in the final of the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association 15-and-Under Classic on Sunday at the UP Los Baños Baseball Field in Laguna.
Afuang, a standout from Ateneo High School, was unstoppable, going 4-for-4 with singles in the first, second, third, and fifth innings.
Meanwhile, Saguisag, representing Xavier School, delivered in critical moments, driving in three pivotal runs to secure the victory.
Kohi’s roster also featured Ateneo high school talents Raffy Blaza, Miguel Cruzat, Enzo de Guzman, Ethan Galvez, Coby Banta, Migo Peneyra, Qio Sevilla, and Mio Ilagan, along with La Salle Greenhills’ Toby Tobillo and Brent’s Jaden de Venecia.
(C) KOHI
Afuang’s consistency set the tone for Kohi, a team comprised of some of Metro Manila’s top young baseball prospects.
Kohi wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Afuang’s first-inning single driving in the game’s first run.
The team then erupted in the second inning, flipping the game with a five-run rally on five hits, taking a commanding 6-1 lead.
The highlight of the inning was Blaza’s two-run double, which extended Kohi’s lead even further.
The offensive onslaught continued in the third inning as Kohi added another five runs on three hits.
Afuang contributed another RBI single, Tobillo knocked in two runs with a single, and Saguisag followed up with a two-run double to further solidify the lead.
On the mound, De Guzman earned the win for Kohi.
The right-hander allowed only two hits and five runs (one earned) over three innings, striking out one and walking two.
In total, Kohi collected 13 hits, with Afuang leading the charge and Saguisag delivering power in the middle of the lineup.
Saguisag finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Ethan Galvez also contributed with two hits.
Kohi’s road to the championship saw them finish 4-2 in the elimination round, followed by a dominant 9-3 victory over Taguig in the semifinals.
Blaza was adjudged tournament MVP.
The team is coached by Pepe Jose and Jun Bonifacio.
