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:
Apolinar, Santisima to fight on June 19 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Canoy still waiting for his US visa for June 20 fight against Collazo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026"Hand of Stone" Roberto Durán celebrates 75th birthday
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Sy-Tancontian excited on Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Backs RP Blu Girls' Intensive Japan Training Camp Ahead of Women's Softball World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Digos 2 Malita 70km Ultramarathon on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 JUNE 2026: Bam Stops Vargas in 6; Wins by Michel Soro, Wilkens Mathieu, Elif Nur Turhan, Nataly Delgado and Abraham Perez
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Undefeated world champion Ataev faces experienced Venezuelan puncher Uzcátegui at IBA PRO 19
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Full Fight Card Set for MF Pro’s “Pugilist Revolution” June 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Campbell son of Ricky Hatton confirms ring return
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Deaño to fight for ABF super feather title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Former champ Andy Ruiz could return against Huggie Fury in 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Mexican legend Jackie Nava inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 15 Jun 2026Ronnie Alvarez Dominates Filip Stankovic, Scores Seventh-Round TKO at Desert Diamond Arena
Sun, 14 Jun 2026THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Jun 2026