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:
Rosas wins PH superfly crown in first fight
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Spurs Shackle Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of West Finals
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 25 May 2026Paciones defeats Laspoña, retains WBO Oriental flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 May 2026Results from Panama City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 25 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Improves Strong Copa America Showing with 8 win Day
Mon, 25 May 2026Benilde Blazers wins Antipolo 2x2 chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 May 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr files $175 million lawsuit against former associates and advisors
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 24 May 2026Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Saudi Arabia!
Sun, 24 May 2026Toro Promotions’ Trio victorious in Mexico
Sun, 24 May 2026Team USA Continues Dominant Run with 7-0 Performance on Day Six In Colombia
Sun, 24 May 2026The Punisher Ultramarathon in Samal on May 30-31
Sun, 24 May 2026Paciones fights Laspoña tomorrow at Elorde gym
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 May 2026STATEMENT MADE! AMARI “THE REAPER” JONES DEFEATS VINCENZO “IL CAPO” GUALTIERI IN IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR
Sat, 23 May 2026Castillano stops Rosales in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 May 2026ProBoxTV Goes Global This Saturday with Two Action-Packed International Events Broadcast Live on One Sensational Saturday
Sat, 23 May 2026