![](http://m.philboxing.com/images/head.logo.768w.jpg)
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:
Award-winning docu ASSAULT IN THE RING set for Sept. 13 release on Apple TV for 15th anniversary
Sat, 07 Sep 2024Filipino and United States Chess Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. Claims Gold in the 3rd Laos International Chess Open Championship 2024
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 07 Sep 2024October 12: Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE & Exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.
Sat, 07 Sep 2024DIXON VS. HARPER WORLD TITLE CLASH HEADLINES ON SEPTEMBER 28 IN SHEFFIELD AS FISHER SUFFERS INJURY
Sat, 07 Sep 2024Can Hiraoka and Sasaki Progress Further?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 06 Sep 2024Tapales risks WBC Asia title
Fri, 06 Sep 2024NCA’s Rapid Chess showdown on Sept. 15 in SMX
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 06 Sep 2024Press Conference Notes: Norfolk Native Keyshawn Davis Announces November 8 Homecoming Battle Against Gustavo Lemos @ Scope Arena
Fri, 06 Sep 2024Is Inoue unbeatable?
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 06 Sep 2024Filipino Giant 6’3” Unbeaten Middleweight, Blazen Rocili Set for 2024 Debut on CBN Card September 21 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Fri, 06 Sep 2024THREE-DIVISION AND FIVE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION YOKASTA VALLE AND GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS SIGN MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Fri, 06 Sep 2024DPBL Probiotics Cup Season 6 kicks off in November
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 06 Sep 2024Complications Hound Inoue's Year-End Fight
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 05 Sep 2024Two-Time World Champion Marlon Tapales Arrives in Cambodia Ahead of September 7 Bout
Thu, 05 Sep 2024Jaime Munguia: "We Need To Be Very Careful with Erik Bazinyan!"
Thu, 05 Sep 2024