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Work-from-home rules for the IT-BPM sector

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) issued PEZA Memorandum Circular 2020-011 (PEZA MC 2020-011), extending assistance to ecozone enterprises. The circular allowed registered business enterprises (RBEs) belonging to the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector to adopt pre-emptive measures to forestall or contain the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a general rule, IT-BPM RBEs must exclusively operate within the PEZA IT building/center. Moreover, before they can farm out assets or equipment, prior approval from PEZA is required in the form of a Letter of Authority (LoA). However, PEZA MC 2020-011 dispensed with these requirements by allowing IT-BPM RBES to adopt full work-from-home (WFH) arrangements and to transfer IT equipment and assets outside the IT building/center without a need for a Letter of Authority before implementation, subject to notice requirements, submission of the certified list of employees under WFH and IT assets/equipment, and posting of a surety bond. This means they can conduct their business and transfer IT equipment/assets outside the IT building/center.

Initially, these measures could only be availed of until July 31, 2020. However, to further assist the RBEs while the pandemic dragged on, the extension of these rules became necessary. Hence, the WFH arrangement was extended until Sept. 12, 2021 under MC 2020-049. However, beginning Sept. 1, 2021, the requirements for the movement of assets outside the PEZA building/center reverted to the old pre-pandemic rules, subject to prior compliance with PEZA standard requirements such as prior farm-out permit and submission of accountable forms.

Before the lapse of the Sept. 12, 2021 extension period, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) was passed, which placed the incentives promoting agencies such as PEZA under the supervision of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), as part of the latter’s expanded authority.

Thus, on Sept. 9, 2021, the FIRB issued Memorandum Circular 19-2021 (FIRB MC 19-2021) in exercise of its powers to issue temporary measures to support the recovery of RBEs in exceptional circumstances such as the current pandemic. Under the FIRB MC, RBEs in the IT-BPM sector can continue with the WFH arrangement until March 31, 2022, subject to the following conditions:

First, the percentage of employees working from home should not exceed 90% of the total workforce until Dec. 31, 2021, to be reduced to 75% beginning Jan. 1, 2022. If the State of Calamity is extended, the maximum percentage will be maintained at 90% until March 31, 2022.

It is worth noting that the 90% limit under the FIRB MC 19-2021 applies to the total workforce, in contrast to the previous MCs issued by PEZA, where the 90% threshold was applied to the total revenue derived from the registered project/activity for purposes of computing the incentives.

Under the old PEZA rule, IT-BPM RBEs are allowed a full WFH capacity. If the WFH workforce falls within the 90% threshold, they are fully entitled to incentives. Above this cutoff point, as in the case of a 100% WFH arrangement, the excess is be subject to regular taxes. However, under the new FIRB MC, failure to meet the 90% workforce threshold may result in the revocation of the incentives, and thus, may subject the entire income to regular taxes.

Second, a bond should be posted for all IT equipment/assets moved outside the IT building/center. The required bond is still 150% of the amount of taxes and duties (for imported equipment/asset) and Value-Added Tax (for locally purchased ones). The ratio of the laptop or other equipment to be transferred outside the IT building/center vis-a-vis the employees working from home should be 1:1.

Third, the export requirement, which is currently at least 70% of the total output under CREATE, must continue to be satisfied despite adopting the WFH scheme. Moreover, the number of employees should not be reduced regardless of whether the majority are WFH. 

Fourth, the IT-BPM RBEs must submit reports on the number of employees under WFH and a list of equipment/assets brought out of the IT building/center following the prescribed deadlines.

As noted above, failure to comply with the conditions may result in the suspension, withdrawal, or cancellation of tax incentives of the Ecozone IT Enterprises. To monitor compliance, PEZA is directed to report to the FIRB any violation committed by an IT-BPM RBE within five days from its discovery, including the action taken by PEZA.

PEZA has written an appeal to the FIRB for reconsideration of some of the provisions of FIRB MC 19-2021, particularly the shift in the basis for the 90% threshold from total revenue to total workforce.

Under the total revenue formula implemented by PEZA, IT-BPM RBEs were allowed to operate on a full WFH scheme, in contrast to the current total workforce formula where they must maintain at least 10% of the workforce onsite. According to PEZA, 10% can translate into a significant number of people physically reporting for work, especially for enterprises with a significant headcount. This directive could also entail additional fit-out costs to re-configure the work areas in compliance with the minimum health and social distancing protocols. Ultimately, IT-BPM RBEs face a dilemma on whether to prioritize compliance with the 10% onsite workforce of FIRB MC 19-2021 or the safety of their employees against contracting the virus. Pending the resolution of the appeal submitted by PEZA on Sept. 23, 2021, the set of rules under FIRB MC 19-2021 are to remain in force.

As we continue to navigate precarious times brought about by the pandemic, regulators and investors both play vital and invaluable roles in our economic recovery.  In such wise, we hope the issues surrounding the WFH rules are eventually addressed in a mutually acceptable and beneficial manner for all stakeholders.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co.  The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Aimee Rose Dg. Dela Cruz is a director with the Tax Services Group of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

+63 (2) 8845-2728

aimee.rose.d.dela.cruz@pwc.com

Meralco lives to fight another day

THE Meralco Bolts lived to fight another after taking Game Five of their best-of-seven Philippine Cup semifinal series over the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, 102-98, on Wednesday to narrow their deficit, 2-3. — PBA IMAGES

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

THE Meralco Bolts lived to fight another day after taking Game Five of their best-of-seven Philippine Cup semifinal series over the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, 102-98, on Wednesday to narrow their deficit, 2-3.

With their backs against the wall, the Bolts dug deep against a determined push by the Hotshots to close out things to bag the win at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga, and keep their title hopes alive.

The contest got off to a competitive start, with the teams having their moments to make runs.

Magnolia though would have the upper hand at the break, holding a slim two-point cushion, 47-45.  

In the third quarter, Meralco came out with added fire, led by John Pinto and Chris Newsome, crowding Magnolia and eventually took the lead, 65-63, with 2:19 to go in the frame.

But the Hotshots regained their footing after, outscoring the Bolts, 8-4, thereafter to take a 71-69 advantage heading into the fourth canto.

With the contest still anybody’s ball game, the team jostled to take early control in the opening of the payoff quarter.

The Meralco cause was dealt a blow by the seven-minute mark when Mr. Newsome was called for his sixth and final foul, rendering him unavailable the rest of the way.

The Bolts, though, continued to fight it out, racing to a 93-90 lead with 3:28 left to play.

Magnolia tried to rally back but still found itself trailing, 99-96, with 40 seconds remaining.

It got a chance to level the count after Calvin Abueva got a steal at the 34-second mark but failed to capitalize on it.

Split free throws by Raymond Almazan with 10 seconds to go, extended the Bolts’ lead to four points, 100-96.

The Hotshots sued for time after. In the ensuing play, Magnolia went to Mr. Abueva, who connected on a deuce off an alley-oop play with eight ticks left to cut their deficit, 100-98.

Mr. Almazan was fouled anew after, but he made sure to make all of his freebies to create further distance from which the Hotshots could not recover from.

Allein Maliksi led the Bolts in the gutsy victory, finishing with 29 points, followed by Messrs. Pinto and Newsome with 24 and 23 points, respectively.

For Magnolia, it was Mark Barroca who showed the way with 25 points. Mr. Abueva had 19. Game Six of the series is set for Friday, Oct. 15.

END OF AN ERA
Meanwhile, a changing of the guards took place at the Alaska Aces camp after they traded veteran point guard JVee Casio to the Blackwater Bossing.

In a deal that got the approval of the league on Tuesday, the Aces sent the 10-year pro Casio to the Bossing along with sophomore Barkley Ebona in exchange for guard Mike Tolomia and Blackwater’s 2022 second-round draft pick.

It was an end of era for Alaska as Mr. Casio, 35, was the last member of the team’s 2013 Commissioner’s Cup champion squad.

With the Bossing, Mr. Casio is expected to provide leadership and experience to a “rebuilding” team under returning coach Ariel Vanguardia.

Blackwater, too, is getting a workhorse in Mr. Ebona, a first-round pick in the 2019 rookie draft.

Mr. Tolomia, 28, meanwhile, brings explosiveness and youth to the Alaska backcourt.

R&A, USGA announce optional golf driver length rule to tame sport’s big hitters

ORGANIZERS running professional or elite amateur golf competitions will have the option of reducing the maximum length of golf clubs to reduce hitting distances, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and United States Golf Association (USGA) said on Tuesday.

The rule will allow competitions to limit the maximum length of a golf club, excluding putters, to 46 inches from the current limit of 48 inches and will come into effect on Jan. 1.

The proposal was announced in February and was part of the latest updates to the Distance Insights Report published last year that said increased hitting distances changed the challenge of the game and risked making courses obsolete.

“We have taken time to consult fully with the golf industry, including players, the main professional tours and equipment manufacturers, and have considered their feedback carefully,” said Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive.

“We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and it will provide tournament organizers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the rules.

“We are working hard to maintain an open, collaborative and considered dialogue with these key stakeholders as we continue to evolve the Equipment Standards Rules to ensure they reflect the modern game.”

The proposal was met with mixed reactions earlier this year, with former world number one Rory McIlroy criticizing golf’s lawmakers and describing the campaign as a “huge waste of time and money.”

However, Bryson DeChambeau, known for his powerful drives that averaged nearly 330 yards last year with a 48-inch driver, said he was not worried about any changes to the rules. — Reuters

PFL hopeful 2021 season kickoff pushes through later this month

THE PFL is targeting to have the new season start on Oct. 27, provided certain conditions are met. — PFL

IF things go as planned, the 2021 season of the Philippines Football League (PFL) could kick off before the month of October ends.

As per its posting on its official website, the PFL is targeting to have the new season start on Oct. 27, provided certain conditions are met.

“PFF is committed to having the PFL 2021 season this year when conditions permit,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) General-Secretary Edwin Gastanes. “We understand how also important the league is for the clubs, sponsors, and football fans.”

Recognizing that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still a concern, the PFL will be holding a centralized competition at the PFF National Training Center under a “semi-bubble,” where participants’ movements will be limited to hotel/home to tournament venue and back.

The league is currently awaiting word from the Carmona local government unit for the go-ahead, hoping that the quarantine status in the area is lowered to the less strict General Community Quarantine (GCQ) so action can proceed.

“We wait for updates on Carmona. We will proceed if it is under GCQ since the clubs have to be in the bubble [before the targeted start],” said Coco Torre, PFL commissioner, in a text message to BusinessWorld.

“We are already mobilizing our local organizing committee for the possible kickoff already,” he added.

Carmona is under the stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until Oct. 15.

As it awaits further development, the league is encouraging competing clubs, which could be as high as seven, Mr. Torre said, to ensure players are match fit come the targeted kickoff date.

Clubs, too, must provide the league with their proposed accommodation venues for the bubble setup, with provisions for health and safety protocols to be imposed while inside the bubble.

One of the clubs set to compete is Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, which is excited to showcase its wares in the PFL.

“So far, so good. The players are peaking and we’re almost at 90 percent,” Dynamic Herb head coach Oliver Colina was quoted as saying by SunStar Cebu.

Mr. Torre said the arrival of Cebu FC is a “very big development.”

“Cebu FC has very big plans from the senior league all the way to the grassroots and they have exemplary programs and the right kind of infrastructure. We are very much looking forward to their participation in the PFL,” he said.

The PFL last played in November 2020 with United City Football Club (UCFC) emerging as champion.

It was angling to start the 2021 season much earlier this year, but it was forced to defer the kickoff because of the unpredictable situation of the pandemic.

The league is looking to complete the new season before the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 happening from Dec. 1, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2022.

“The PFL season 2021 kickoff remains a primary objective,” assured Mr. Torre. “The staging of the season will help preserve the livelihood of the players, staff, officials and determine the League Standings based on sporting merit.” — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Gilas women’s squad has SEAG title retention in sight

GILAS Pilipinas Women’s Basketball is looking forward to successfully defending its title in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in May in Vietnam. — FIBA

NEXT year will be a busy one for Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball, but one event it is keenly eyeing is the 31st Southeast Asian  Games (SEAG) in May in Vietnam.

The defending SEA Games champion in women’s 5-on-5, Gilas Women underscored the need to successfully defend its title to sustain the gains it has made and preserve its standing in the sport in the region.

“We worked hard for that (winning the title) and it is important we successfully defend it,” said veteran guard Janine Pontejos during their session at the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.

The championship in 2019 was the first time the Philippines won the gold medal in biennial sporting meet for the event.

In winning the title, Gilas Women swept all of its three matches at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to end up with six tournament points and the gold medal.

Ms. Pontejos was a key cog in the SEA Games team, along with fellow veterans Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Clare Castro.

The quartet also composed the team which won the gold in the 3×3 event.

Being a SEA Games champion is something national team young gun Camille Clarin hopes to experience as well.

“Definitely, I would love to be a part of that gold medal (team). We have a great program going for us,” said the National University standout, who recently made her debut with Gilas Women at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s Asia Cup in Jordan.

Gilas coach Patrick Aquino, who was with Mses. Pontejos and Clarin at the PSA Forum, said they will soon start preparing for their campaign for next year.

He said they have had initial talks with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) about their plans and he was happy to report that the response was good.

The coach also said that hopefully, they could work on the schedules of the players so that more will be available for key competitions.

Among the players they are hoping to have are Ms. Animam, who is currently playing in the Serbian league; US-born Filipina cager Mai-Loni Henson, a former University of Washington Huskies standout; and Ella Fajardo, a rookie playmaker from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Gilas is also hoping to see action in the Asian Games in China next year.

The 31st SEA Games was supposed to take place this December, but was moved to the latter part of May next year because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation in the region. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

PSC successfully holds grassroots sports program in Sarangani

THE Philippine Sports Commission successfully held its diverse grassroots sports program in the province of Sarangani, organizing and pre-recording an activity on Indigenous Peoples Games. — PSC

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) successfully held its diverse grassroots sports program in the province of Sarangani, organizing and pre-recording an activity on Indigenous Peoples Games.

Led by PSC commissioner and project head Charles Raymond A. Maxey, the group, for three days, conducted the program with the end view of promoting traditional sports and games of Sarangani and better appreciated by more people.

The program was conducted in strict coordination with Provincial Tribal Chieftain Fulung Edmund D. Pangilan, and Municipal IP Mandatory Representative Makabatog Monard C. Galgo at the Lamlifew Village Museum and Blaan School of Living Traditions in Malungon, Sarangani.

Health and safety protocols crafted by both the national and local governments were followed throughout the conduct of the activity, with all participants, PSC staff as well as local officials and tribe members undergoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing and tested negative before the said activity. Face masks were worn and physical distancing was observed in between video and photo shoots.

The event was part of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) celebration, with support from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and Pocari Sweat.

Traditional games by Blaan Indigenous Peoples like sfaltu (long jump), skuya kura (horseracing), sumpit (blowgun), and pana (bow and arrow) were showcased just as Blaan elders performed kmisong (fire making) using coconut husk or dried wood coir and split bamboo.

“The awareness of Filipinos of traditional sports and games and of Indigenous Peoples (IP) is important for the PSC and we are happy to have successfully held this activity. Diversity and equality is something we try to give attention to in our programs,” said Mr. Maxey in Filipino of the PSC’s grassroots programs.

Also part of the event was the turnover of sports equipment like basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls to Malungon Mayor Ma. Theresa Constantino to further boost their grassroots sports program in the province.

The PSC also distributed 400 sets of IP provisions such as bags made of abacca fiber, bamboo notebooks, ballpens, personalized PSC notepads, and face towels. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Rogers rallies to beat Fernandez and advance at Indian Wells

SHELBY Rogers rallied to claim a steely (2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4)) victory over Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez on Tuesday to move into the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Never before past the second round in five previous visits to Indian Wells, Rogers, who turns 29 on Wednesday, gave herself an early birthday present reaching the last eight where she will take on Latvian 24th seed Jelena Ostapenko. “That was an incredible match,” said Rogers. “She (Fernandez) has had such an incredible season and she’s such a sweet girl, I’ve gotten to know her a little bit.

“It was really about who was dictating the points today, who could get control of the points first.

“When she gets a good look at a ball it’s very tough, her forehand was incredible today.”

After falling to 18-year-old US Open winner Emma Raducanu in the round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, Rogers was determined not to be shown the Indian Wells exit by another teenager Fernandez, who had her own magical run in New York getting to her first grand slam final.

After a win over ninth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round, Fernandez hinted at another fairytale run in the Southern California desert, but it proved a mirage.

The 19-year-old Canadian had been poised for a romp breaking Rogers to go up 4-1 and then again to close out the opening set.

But Fernandez was unable to carry that momentum into the second as Rogers took charge breaking the 23rd seed three-times on way to a 5-0 lead and leveling the contest.

The third set began with the two players trading breaks, but afterwards Fernandez and Rogers would not falter sending the contest to a tie-break won 7-4 by the American. — Reuters

Brooklyn Nets say Kyrie Irving cannot play or practice until eligible

BROOKLYN Nets’ Kyrie Irving will not be allowed to play or practice with the team until he is “eligible to be a full participant,” the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise said on Tuesday amid the continuing fallout over the guard’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status.

Irving, who refused to reveal his vaccination status, was forced to sit out the Nets’ first pre-season home game last week against the Milwaukee Bucks as he was listed as “ineligible” by the team.

A New York City mandate requires proof of at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter large indoor spaces such as gyms.

“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” Nets’ general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.

“Kyrie has made a personal choice and we respect his individual right to choose.

“Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.”

The Nets begin their regular season on the road with games against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers before their first home game at against the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 24. — Reuters

Denmark reaches World Cup with 1-0 win over Austria

COPENHAGEN — Denmark became the second European nation to reach the 2022 World Cup after a 1-0 home win over Austria on Tuesday left them top of qualifying Group F with an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Scotland.

After Germany advanced to the 32-nation tournament in Qatar on Monday, the Danes secured their own berth with two games to spare as a 53rd-minute goal from Joakim Mæhle helped them to an eighth successive qualifying victory.

Denmark and Germany joined Qatar, who gained an automatic spot in the finals as the host nation. Only the group winners from European qualifying advance directly while the runners-up enter the playoffs.

Denmark have scored 27 goals and conceded none so far in World Cup qualifying, with their run to the finals underpinned by some impressive free-flowing football.

Following joyous scenes as the Danes mobbed each other after the final whistle, captain Simon Kjær stressed they now wanted to make an impact in Qatar after romping through qualifying.

“We built up a crew and a mentality that is incredibly healthy and we have been eager to improve all the time,” the 32-year old centerback told the country’s Kanal 5 television.

“We share the best with each other and adding that to the quality we have, we can go a long way. We have come a long way already, but we have only become hungrier.”

For all their flair and attacking potential, the Danes did look jittery for long spells against a well-organized Austria side who packed their midfield to cut off the supply routes.

Visiting goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann denied Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikkel Damsgaard in the first half and then kept out a Thomas Delaney effort in the 48th minute as the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances.

But Bachmann was powerless five minutes later as Denmark’s best moment of the match produced a brilliant goal with Delaney at the heart of a breathtaking move.

The central midfielder weaved his way past four markers through the middle and then teed up Mæhle to plant his shot from eight meters inside the near post and delight the home fans in a packed Parken stadium.

Delaney was elated after the match as Denmark made it to their second successive World Cup, having reached the round of 16 in the 2018 tournament before advancing to the Euro 2020 semifinals this year.

“It’s a pleasure throughout, in every match,” he said.

“The support we’ve had. It is unique, what we have created, we can be proud of.”

Mæhle added: “It means a lot, it’s one of the coolest nights in the Park in a long time. It is fantastic. It’s strong for us to win here, and we got this ticket to the World Cup.” — Reuters

England held 1-1 by Hungary in match marred by crowd violence

LONDON — England took another, somewhat faltering, step towards 2022 World Cup qualification when they drew 1-1 with Hungary at Wembley on Tuesday and are now three points clear at the top of Group I with two matches remaining.

The game was marred by fighting in the stands between Hungary fans and baton-wielding police just after kickoff, with riot police entering the fray as visiting supporters forced stewards and police back down a tunnel.

On the pitch, the visitors went ahead with a Roland Sallai penalty in the 24th minute after England’s Luke Shaw caught a stooping Loïc Négo in the head as he attempted a clearance.

England equalized after 37 minutes when a Phil Foden free kick was flicked on by Tyrone Mings and the ball was turned in by John Stones from close range.

The centerback came close to a second when he headed a corner just wide after an hour while Harry Kane miskicked when well placed in front of goal — the captain’s last contribution before being replaced by Tammy Abraham for the last 15 minutes.

That, and other changes, failed to swing the game England’s way as Gareth Southgate’s experiment of playing Foden, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount together in a miniature midfield proved something of a failure.

Hungary were certainly more energetic and looked more motivated than when they were swept aside 4-0 by England in Budapest last month and Southgate was quick to praise them, while accepting his own side’s shortcomings.

TACTICAL PROBLEM
“Hungary, full credit to them. I thought they caused us a tactical problem. We weren’t fluid and I didn’t think we played at the level that we need to play,” he said.

“We’ll go away and think about the balance of the team a little bit, but I think individually we can do better as well. We made lots of simple mistakes with the ball. Collectively, we did not play at the level we need to.

“I think right across the board from the start we weren’t sharp with our play, gave the ball away. It’s the first time for a long time, but we have to hold our hands up to that.”

The result leaves England top of the group on 20 points ahead of Poland, who beat Albania (15 points) 1-0 away in another match hit by crowd trouble.

Euro 2020 runners-up England are still strong favorites to win the group via their remaining games against Albania and San Marino next month, but have left themselves with work to do.

Hungary, in fourth place on 11 points, need a miracle to have a chance of snatching second place and a playoff berth.

Their entire squad and staff formed a center circle huddle at the end of the game, then stood in front of their supporters — showing their better side after the unpleasant scenes two hours earlier — in a joint rendition of their national anthem, celebrating together as if they had won the World Cup.

England’s players and most of the near-70,000 home fans had already gone by then, but though few will long remember the match, it might prove more useful in Southgate’s World Cup preparations than if it had been a routine victory. — Reuters

Astros blow out White Sox, advance to ALCS

JOSE Altuve slugged a three-run homer, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley each drove in two runs, and the Houston Astros booked a spot in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the fifth straight season with a 10-1 trouncing of the host Chicago White Sox in Game 4 of the AL Division Series on Tuesday.

Correa delivered a two-run double in the third inning that put the Astros ahead to stay. Bregman ripped a two-run double one inning later as Houston won the best-of-five series three games to one. Brantley contributed a pair of one-run singles.

Altuve, who went 3-for-5 and scored four runs, turned the game into a laugher with his blast off White Sox right-hander Liam Hendriks in the ninth. He is tied for fourth in postseason history with 19 homers.

The Astros will face the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. Houston, which has advanced to two of the past four World Series, lost in five games to the Red Sox in the 2018 ALCS.

Houston joins the Oakland Athletics (1971-75) as the lone AL team to reach five straight championship series.

“I think we have good chemistry and some of the guys have good experience being here for five times,” Altuve said afterward on the FS1 broadcast. “We’re playing as a team. We’re a really good team. We’re not trying to be heroes. We’re just trying to win games.”

Martin Maldonado also had an RBI single. Brantley was 3-for-6, Correa was 2-for-4 and Yuli Gurriel was 2-for-5 as Houston racked up 14 hits.

Gavin Sheets went 2-for-4 with a homer for the White Sox, who haven’t won a postseason series since beating the Astros (then in the National League) in the 2005 World Series.

“Obviously, right now, it sucks, it hurts,” Sheets said afterward. “But to have this experience my rookie year, I’m gonna grow from it.”

Houston right-hander Yimi Garcia (1-0) recorded the victory with a perfect fifth inning.

Astros right-hander Lance McCullers, Jr. pitched the first four innings and allowed one run and five hits. He struck out five and walked three.

White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon (0-1) gave up two runs and three hits over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked two.

The Astros loaded the bases in the third inning against Rodon as Altuve was hit by a pitch with one out and Bregman and Yordan Alvarez drew two-out walks. Correa followed by lacing a 0-2 fastball for a two-run double to left to give Houston a 2-1 lead.

“I saw he was striking out people with the fastball up and he was yelling and banging his chest,” Correa told FS1. “So I was like, ‘I’m 0-2 right now, bases loaded, the crowd on their feet. He wants to blow a fastball by me so he can bang his chest once again.’

“So I was all over the fastball. I was trying to get on top of it and he threw it. And I capitalized on it, I was ready for it.”

Houston’s Kyle Tucker singled off right-hander Michael Kopech to lead off the fourth and stole second and third. With one out, Maldonado drilled a run-scoring single to center. Altuve followed with a single, and Bregman came up later in the inning and slammed a two-run double to left-center off left-hander Garrett Crochet to make it 5-1.

Brantley had RBI singles in both the sixth and eighth innings as Houston increased its margin to six runs.

“They beat us,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “They played better. We’re disappointed.”

Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the second when Sheets hit a one-out homer to center. Houston’s Jake Meyers (left shoulder discomfort) was injured while leaping in an attempt to catch it and departed the game. — Reuters

Freddie Freeman’s HR sends Braves past Brewers into NLCS

FREDDIE Freeman hammered a tiebreaking homer with two outs in the eighth inning to propel the Atlanta Braves to a clinching 5-4 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on Tuesday.

Freeman’s 428-foot blast to left-center off a slider from Brewers left-hander Josh Hader (0-1) helped the Braves win the series 3-1 and reach the NL Championship Series (NLCS) for the second straight season. Atlanta lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games in 2020.

“I just saw a pitch up (in the zone) and I was able to get a good swing on it,” Freeman said on TBS of the decisive at-bat. “There was no rhyme or reason to it. I was swinging good all game. I worked on stuff before the game, and I was able to get one out.”

He later added, “I’ve had a lot of cool moments in my career. I think it’s going to top them right here, but hopefully, that’s not the last cool one and I have a couple more in these playoffs.”

Brewers manager Craig Counsell said of the Hader-Freeman matchup, “It was our best against their best, and I don’t think you regret having that situation. That’s how the game works. That’s how it’s supposed to work.”

Freeman went 3-for-5 and Eddie Rosario contributed a two-run single for the Braves, who will face either the San Francisco Giants or the Dodgers in the NLCS. San Francisco held a 2-1 edge in that series entering Game 4 on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Rowdy Tellez hit a two-run homer for the Brewers, who were eliminated in the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

“Like we said early on, we had a team to do some damage,” Hader said. “All we can do is just look back on what we did and how the season went, but it is what it is now.”

Tyler Matzek (1-0) pitched a flawless eighth for the Braves and fellow left-hander Will Smith worked the ninth for his third save of the series.

Milwaukee’s Eduardo Escobar led off the ninth with a pinch-hit single to center. Kolten Wong popped up on a bunt attempt before Smith struck out Willy Adames and Christian Yelich to end it.

The Braves played without Jorge Soler, who tested positive for COVID-19. He was replaced on the roster prior to the game by fellow outfielder Cristian Pache.

Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley said of the club’s ability to overcome the loss of its leadoff hitter, “It says a lot of good things about this team. That was a big hit. We’re used to it this year.”

Yelich led off the fifth inning with a single to right against Atlanta right-hander Huascar Ynoa. One out later, Tellez clobbered a first-pitch slider, and the 448-foot blast landed well beyond the center field fence to give the Brewers a 4-2 lead.

The Braves knotted the score in the bottom of the frame. Joc Pederson’s fielder’s-choice grounder with the bases loaded drove in the first run, and Travis d’Arnaud followed with an RBI ground single to right.

Braves right-hander Charlie Morton was charged with two runs and four hits over 3 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Milwaukee left-hander Eric Lauer gave up two runs and four hits over 3 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked two.

The game was scoreless through three innings before both teams tallied twice in the fourth.

Omar Narvaez came up with runners on first and second with one out for the Brewers and delivered a run-scoring single to center to score Avisail Garcia. Right-hander Jesse Chavez replaced Morton and was greeted by Lorenzo Cain’s RBI single to center.

Atlanta loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the inning. Immediately after right-hander Hunter Strickland replaced Lauer, Rosario came up as a pinch hitter and lined a tying two-run single to center.

Counsell said postgame, “In the moment, right now, we’re all really disappointed. It’s hard to get past the disappointment right now. It just is.

“In the end, we had big goals. We didn’t quite get there. You win 95 games, it’s a special group and they did accomplish some special things.” — Reuters

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