The Philippine men’s softball team only needed five innings to finally notch a win in the XVII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup at Rosedale Park in Auckland after an 8-0 beating of Denmark on Friday.
The Blu Boys snapped an eight-game losing streak dating back to the group stages as they got their first victory in convincing fashion.
The Philippines started hot on the top of the first inning after runs by Mark Janzen Gaspi, Micheal Pagkaliwagan, Jerome Bacarisas, Denmark Bathan and Justine John Rosales for an early 5-0 lead.
Bacarisas added another run on the top of the third inning to make it 6-0 for the Blu Boys thanks to Pagkaliwagan.
A home run from Melvin de Guzman at the top of the fourth inning top extend the lead to 7-0.
Another run from Bacarisas via an RBI from Pagkaliwagan at the top of the fifth inning, triggered the mercy rule, giving the Danish one last chance to score some runs.
The Filipinos now have a 1-3 record in the placement round and will look to end their campaign on a high note with a win against South Africa at 10 a.m. (Manila time).