National clouters blank BP bets

MANILA, Philippines - The national team routed Baseball Philippines’ selection, 6-0, yesterday in the main event of the Fil-Am Friendship Game at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Charlie Labrador pitched five scoreless frames while striking out seven batters to power the Nationals to the victory in the All-Star game organized by Baseball Philippines and Community Sports Inc.

Jonash Ponce hit a two-run single to kick off action in the first inning then the Nationals, gearing up for various international tournaments this year, scored three runs in the sixth to pull away.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas threw the ceremonial pitch. He later reiterated his support to the sport.

The US Embassy has been donating baseball uniforms and equipment to less-fortunate children, especially in the Smokey Mountain area.

“We have joined various groups like the Manila Jaycees, Gawad Kalinga, JCI and other groups which sponsor baseball. It’s a great game and it allows the kids to have fun and do something,” said Thomas, a former US baseball player.

The Smokey Mountain lost to the Philippine Barakos, 7-1, in five innings in the first game.

“The team had a chance to play at Rizal Memorial and for them, that’s a big deal. It’s something that I hope that the government will support,” Thomas added.