The Philippine national men’s softball team demolished Hong Kong, 8-0, in the Men’s Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan last Tuesday.
The Blu Boys built a huge 4-0 lead at the top of the second inning thanks to the runs provided by John Norwen Lucas, Justine Rosales, Kenneth Torres and John Israel Antonio.
Melvin Castro and Mark Gaspi added two more runs for the Philippines at the top of the third inning to inflate the lead to 6-0.
Antonio and Efril Mercado score two more runs at the top of the sixth inning thanks to a 2 run-batted-in single from Gerone Riparip for an 8-0 lead.
Hong Kong couldn’t produce a run at the bottom of the sixth inning, giving the match to the Philippines.
The Blu Boys ended the elimination round with a 3-2 win-loss record at third place, qualifying them for the bronze medal match on Wednesday, 28 June, where they will once again face Hong Kong, which finished the elimination round at fourth with a 2-3 slate.
The winner of that match will join Japan and Singapore in the Men’s Softball World Cup that will be held in Prince Albert, Canada.
If successful, this will be the fourth Philippine softball team to reach a World Cup this year after Blu Girls, coed slo-pitch and the women’s under-15 teams have secured their slots.
