The Philippine national men’s softball team re-asserted its dominance over Hong Kong, 7-0, on Wednesday to clinch the Men’s Softball Asia Cup bronze medal in Japan, and a spot in the World Cup Stage.
The Blu Boys ended their campaign in Kochi, clutching a ticket to the XVIII Men’s Softball World Cup Stage in Canada, along with Japan and Singapore.
Japan and Singapore were still locked in battle for the gold at presstime.
The Blu Boys went straight to business as they scored six runs at the bottom of the third inning. Justine Rosales’ two-run single scored John Lucas and Mark Gaspi for the Philippines.
Kenneth Torres then rebbied twice sending home Rosales and Lucas for a 4-0 spread.
John Antonio hit an RBI single for Torres to make another run for the Blu Boys before Michael Pagkaliwagan stole a run from third base to inflate the lead to 6-0.
The Blu Boys went straight to business as they scored six runs at the bottom of the third inning. Justine Rosales’ two-run single scored John Lucas and Mark Gaspi for the Philippines.
At the bottom of the sixth inning, Reagan Parco hit an RBI single for Torres making it an abbreviated game.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier is ecstatic on the win and hopes the Blu Boys continue to showcase their talent in the biggest stage of men’s softball.
“Congratulations, RP Blu Boys, on winning the bronze medal against Hong Kong in the Men’s Softball Asia Cup 2023. Your exceptional performance has earned the Philippines a spot in the XVIII Men’s Softball World Cup Stage,” Lhuillier said.
“Let your passion continue to ignite the field as you inspire and make our nation proud!”
The Blu Boys join the Blu Girls, coed slo-pitch and the women’s under-15 teams on Philippine softball teams who have secured their World Cup slots this year.