MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines flattened Hong Kong, 8-0, on Tuesday to claim a spot in the battle for third place and remain in the hunt for a World Cup berth in the WBSC Men’s Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan.
Leo Barredo and Lyones de Leon presided over the carnage as the two shut down their Hong Kong counterparts in three innings pitched each while Kenneth Torres drilled in a single to center field that sparked a killer four-run barrage atop the second inning.
The Blu Boys thus finished with a 3-2 record in the elimination round that earned them a spot in today’s battle for third against Hong Kong.
If the Filipinos repeat over their Hong Kong foes, they will claim a spot to the World Cup, the country’s fourth since the Blu Girls, coed Slo-pitch and women’s Under-15 teams all booked tickets in that big of a stage.
"We remain hopeful and are now more determined in our future games, we’re proud of the team," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.
The triumph made up for a stinging 6-0 defeat to powerhouse Japan and a heartbreaking 9-5 setback to 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold winner Singapore the day before.
Japan and Singapore finished first and second and will battle for the title.
Blu Boys coach Jasper Cabrera vowed they will go all out to seize that World Cup berth.
“Lalaban po kami at ibibigay namin lahat para makuha yung World Cup slot,” said Cabrera.