RP Blu Boys Hope to Recover After Stumbling in World Cup Opener
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 13 Jun 2024
The RP Blu Boys succumbed to the Dominican Republic, allowing them two home runs, resulting in a 2-5 loss for the Filipinos in their first game of the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup group stage on Thursday morning (Manila time) at Estadio Mundialistas Hermosillenses in Mexico.
Juan Arias initiated the scoring for the Dominicans with a solo home run off 18-year-old Filipino starting pitcher Jehanz Coro in the top of the second inning, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The Dominican Republic extended their lead in the fourth inning when Yoel De Mota hit a two-run double, bringing home Arias and Wilton Robles for a 3-0 advantage. Pablo Figuereo then added to the score with a home run to right-center, also scoring De Mota, making it 5-0.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed team had several opportunities but struggled to convert base runners into runs. The Blu Boys scored their first run when Justine Rosales hit a double, allowing Mark Gaspi to score, making it 1-5. However, Norwen Lucas was tagged out at home trying to follow Gaspi. Rosales reached third base but was unable to score as Denmark Bathan and Israel Antonio struck out. In the sixth inning, Lucas’ single brought Gaspi home, narrowing the gap to 2-5.
ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier expressed optimism despite the loss, saying, "The development of our team has been remarkable, and I have full confidence that the Blu Boys will bounce back stronger. These initial setbacks are part of the learning curve, and I believe our team will perform better in the upcoming matches."
Under the guidance of coach Jasper Cabrera, the Philippines began their campaign with a 0-1 record in Group A, which also featured defending champion Australia, Venezuela, Czechia, and host nation Mexico in the same bracket. The Blu Boys aim to bounce back in their next match against Australia, currently ranked 2nd Worldwide, on June 13, 2024 at 18:00 (UTC-7) after Australia’s 0-7 defeat to Venezuela.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 JUNE 2026: Paro UD Crocker for IBF Welter Title; Ennis Stops Zayas in 7 for WBA, WBO Welter Titles; Wins by Whittaker, Vargas and Tucker; Valenzuela KO2 De Los Santos
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Rising Featherweight Star Jaycob "The Raging Bull" Ramos Signs Exclusive Management Agreement with Boxing VIP
Tue, 30 Jun 2026Clarion to leave on July 2 for WBC Youth title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo Stays Undefeated with Devastating Seventh-Round Knockout at Fist of Fury 11
Tue, 30 Jun 2026World Boxing Council Unveils Special July 4th Commemorative Belt Honoring USA 250th Anniversary
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Jun 202612-Year-Old Filipina Memory Prodigy Georgina Santos to Represent the Philippines in Two World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 30 Jun 2026World championship mega-fight between Christian Mbilli and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez postponed to October
Mon, 29 Jun 2026Filipino Jonas Magpantay wins Indonesia; pockets $15,000, gains steam heading to Vietnam
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Ex-kickboxer to debut in MMA Slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Deaño settles to a draw
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026Abdyrakhmanov defeats Kadiev, Kudryashov knocks out Yousefi at IBA Bare Knuckle 5 in Moscow
Sun, 28 Jun 2026WBC declares German Agit Kabayel new WBC heavyweight champion after Usyk relinquishes his title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 28 Jun 20264th Gov. RST MMA Slugfest on July 3
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 27 Jun 2026