Blu Boys becomes fourth Philippine squad to qualify for World Cup, secures bronze in 2023 Men's Softball Asia Cup
2023-Jun-29 08:43
2024-Jul-15 06:06
BRONZE FINISH. Blu Boys will get a taste of the World Cup after blanking Hong Kong anew in their third-place match, 7-0, in the last day of men's softball festivities in Japan. PHOTO: ASAPHIL/Facebook
Make it four.
Blu Boys became the fourth Philippine softball team to qualify for the World Cup after the Blu Girls, co-ed slow pitch team, and women's under-15.
The Philippines dominated Hong Kong, 7-0, to secure the bronze medal in the 2023 Men's Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan on Wednesday, June 28.
They joined the 2023 champion Japan and silver medalist Singapore in the XVIII World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Men's Softball World Cup next year. The host beat the Singaporeans, 4-0, in their gold medal match.
John Israel Antonio, Jerome Bacarisas, Leo Barredo, Denmark Bathan, Melvin de Castro, Lyonas de Leon, Juliuz de la Cruz, Mark Janzen Gaspi, Francis Generoso, John Norwen Lucas, Efril Ian Mercado, Micheal Pagkaliwagan, Reagan Parco, Gerone Riparir, Justine John Rosales and Kenneth Torres composed the Philippines, while coaches Jasper Cabrera and Isidro Abella guided them from the dugout.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier congratulated the Blu Boys for their achievement.
"Let your passion continue to ignite the field as you inspire and make our nation proud!" Lhuillier said.
Filipino pitcher dela Cruz led the way for the nationals after allowing one hit only and striking out nine batters for a complete game.
Lucas had a two-run double in the third inning, giving the Philippines momentum to pull away for good. Torres, Pagkaliwagan, and Antonio followed his lead, and each converted scoring hits. Pagkaliwagan also reached home after his base steal in the same inning.
With the 7-0 win, the Blu Boys replicated their 8-0 victory over Hong Kong last Tuesday to finish the single-round robin elimination carrying a 3-2 win-loss card.
The 15th-ranked Philippines opened their World Cup qualifying with back-to-back wins against India (5-1) and Chinese Taipei (7-1).
Off to an impressive start, the Philippines suffered a pair of losses over Southeast Asian rival Singapore, 9-5, and now reigning 10-time winner Japan, 6-0.
The Men's Softball World Cup group stages are scheduled for 2024 in Canada, with the main tournament set for 2025.