Nigel Paule homers as Philippines head to SEA Games gold match unbeaten

The Philippine Men’s National Baseball Team will enter the gold medal match of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a spotless record.

The Filipino sluggers completed an elimination-round sweep with a 12–0 shutout of Laos in seven innings on Thursday at the Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium in Thailand.

Outfielder Nigel Paule put the finishing touches in the top of the sixth inning, blasting a three-run home run to left field to make it 12–0.

Kobe Torres then took the mound and retired the Laotians in order to seal the Philippines’ immaculate 6–0 slate.

The Filipinos will face host nation Thailand in the gold medal match tomorrow at 2:00 PM (Manila time).

The Philippines previously eked out a thrilling 8–7 victory in 10 innings during their elimination-round encounter.

It was an outstanding performance for Paule, who tallied four runs batted in (RBIs), while Paulo Macasaet hammered three hits to produce three RBIs of his own.

Third baseman Liam de Vera and shortstop John Matanguihan also contributed two RBIs apiece as the Nationals collected 12 total hits.

After being blanked in the first two innings, the Philippines broke through in the third, showcasing sharp baserunning, elite plate discipline, and timely hitting to spark a four-run rally delivered by Matanguihan, Macasaet, and Paule.

MJ Carolino started on the mound for the Filipinos, allowing just three hits, while relievers Joshua Pineda and Torres combined for three hitless innings.

Davong Phrathep did it all for Laos, pitching 4 1/3 innings and recording two of the team’s three hits.

Laos wrapped up its campaign in fifth place with a 2–4 record.