In a pivotal game for the Philippines, the country’s Women’s National Softball Team dropped a close 7-9 loss to Chinese-Taipei, Tuesday afternoon at the NASPA Stadium in Narita City, Japan.
| TEAMS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
| PHI (A, 2-4) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 3 | |||
| TPE (A, 3-3) | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | X | 9 | 15 | 2 |
The loss dropped the Philippines out of the Top Four in Group A of the 2018 Women’s Softball World Championship. The Blu Girls are now tied with the Netherlands at fifth place with a 2-4 record – a full game behind Chinese-Taipei.
But all is not lost for the Philippines, as the Netherlands is taking on Mexico as of press time, while Chinese-Taipei faces the same team on Wednesday, August 8. The Blu Girls take on New Zealand on the same day in a must-win game.
Only the top four teams in each group advance to the playoffs.
The Blu Girls started the game strong, punching in three runs in a two-out rally. A Sky Ellazar double brought home Arianne Vallestero while a costly error by shortstop Yang Yi-Ting added two more runs.
However, the Taiwanese answered right back with a five-run flurry – two of which came from an error by shortstop Garnet Blando.
Chinese-Taipei’s led would go to as high as four runs, 8-4, entering the fifth inning.
Cheska Altomonte and the Filipinas rallied back with three runs to cut the lead to just two entering the final frame.
Angelie Ursabia opened up the inning with a base hit, while Hailey Decker was walked with just one out. A bunt by Ellazar moved the two runners to prime scoring position afterwards. However, Chelsea Suitos’ hit turned out to be a flyout foul for third out.
Ann Antolihao only pitched just one inning, as Sierra Lange closed out the game. Antolihao’s disastrous first inning resulted in seven hits and four earned runs.
