A tense and erratic International Little League Association of Manila bowed to an all-Japanese Indonesian squad, 0-4, while Guam steamrollered New Zealand, 15-1, at the start of the Asia-Pacific Region Little League championships yesterday at the Rizal Park.
The Indonesians, beefed up by Japanese expatriates, cashed in on costly fielding errors by the Filipinos right in the first inning, allowing batter-runner Yudai Mori to hit first base, stretch to second and third and reach home for the Indonesians’ first run.
That established the tempo of the game as the Indonesians held their own against the Filipinos, scoring three more in the fifth inning to ensure the victory.
"Mukhang kinakabahan ang mga bata kaya maraming errors," said tournament director Cesar Pradas.
Earlier, Matthew Barcinas conceded only one hit while his Guamenian hitters bombarded Kiwi pitchers Tim Sneddon and Ben Kornfeld with 13 hits for the lopsided victory that gave Guam a big head start in its bid for a slot in the Little League World Series for 11-12 year olds next month in Pennsylvania.
The tournament, organized by Little League Philippines, is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, League of Provinces, Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc., Smart Communications, Reliv Philippines, San Miguel Corp. and Nestle Philippines.
The winner in the eight-tournament will represent the region in the Little League World Series to be held mid-August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The game between defending champion Japan and Hong Kong was being played at presstime.