Behind a torrid hitting spree, the Philippine Women’s National Softball Team grounded South Korea in six innings, 10-1, Tuesday evening at the Shanghai Sports Training Center in China.
The RP Blu Girls go up to 1-0 in Group A of the 2019 WBSC Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier.
Head coach Randy Dizer downplayed their dominant win, though, saying that their game against China on Wednesday is the true acid test for the team.
“We are happy with the win, but are not getting carried away. It is a good morale booster for our match against China tomorrow, but we have to keep our feet firm on the ground,” he said.
Still, with this outing, the Blu Girls sent a statement that they are in-form to take on the hosts.
Sierra Lange, who played relief for Ann Antolihao, gave up just a single hit in 2.2 innings pitch. She also fanned three batters to steer the Philippines to victory.
With the pitchers clicking, the offense bombarded the South Koreans.
UCLA standout Chelsea Suitos opened the scoring with a single that brought home Lauren Young and Garie Blando for the early lead. Reese Guevarra followed it up with a laser in the fourth inning to left field. That then paved the way for a Cheska Altomonte run and a 3-0 lead.
Though South Korea was able to get a run back, skipper Altomonte answered right back with a hit to right field that punched in two more runs.
The floodgates opened in the sixth inning. The Philippines scored five more runs for the mercy rule win.
“It was close. Only their three errors saw us score five runs in the sixth innings to pull away,” added Dizer.
Sky Ellazar and Young had two runs each, while Suitos and Ursabia both had a couple of RBIs.
