Blu Girls bow to Mexicans

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Blu Girls faltered against the hot bat of Mexico and absorbed a stinging 0-7 defeat in five innings Tuesday in the World Cup of Softball IX at the Bill Barber Park in Irvine, California.

The Blu Girls couldn’t find an antidote to the Mexican batters, particularly right fielder Brandi Melero who punched in six RBIs spiked by a grand slam home run in a two-for-two outing.

With the loss, the Filipinas slipped to an even 1-1 card in the seven-nation tournament in a share of third with Japan, which earlier got into the win column with an 8-1 abbreviated victory over Venezuela.

Mexico joined host USA, which debuted with a 5-0 drubbing of Venezuela, in second spot behind solo leader Canada. The Canadians went 2-0 following a 3-2 decision over Chinese Taipei.

Phl IX, looking to follow up on its 3-0 opening-day win over Venezuela, fought the Mexicans on even terms through two completed innings but failed to keep pace when a Melero-led Mexico turned up the heat.