Softball teams score golden sweep

The Philippines scored a golden sweep in the 23rd SEA Games softball competitions.

The Blu Girls successfully defended their crown while the Blu Boys regained their title with contrasting wins fashioned out before a huge crowd at the Rosario Sports Complex in Pasig.

The RP lady clouters crushed the Indons, 8-0, in an abbreviated five-inning contest while the men had to work extra hard to nip their own Indon rivals, 3-2.

"Congratulations to the Blu Boys and the Blu Girls. Their twin victories make all of us Filipinos proud.

I’m honored to have been part of this victory for our country," said team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The Blu Girls had much easier time disposing of their rivals with hurler Syril Ramos controlling the match with a perfect game on the mound.

Offensively, team captain Nimpa Baral started it all for the Philippines with a three-run triple to left field at the top of the second inning.

The Philippines made it 5-0 in the same inning on a two-run double by Emily Tayag.

Infield Kimster Liwas hit a homerun in the fifth frame to seal the game.

Badly beaten by the Filipina batters, the Indons just couldn’t find their mark offensively as well in the face of Ramos’ superb pitching job.

"We have regained the title and I’m very proud of the team. They gave their best to be champions again," said coach Rolly Malaguit.

Meanwhile, Marciano Sta. Maria and Rogelio Rojas combined for a six-hitter and Manuel Bacarisas started their attack with a two-run homer in the second inning.

The Blu Boys played tough defensively to complete the win watched by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio in the VIP section of the venue. — Tristan Roslin Taboac