RP Blu Girls opened their WBSC Softball Asia Cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back victories in contrasting fashions at the LNG Stadium in Incheon, Korea Sunday.
The Philippines opened the day with a 7-0 abb. 5th romping of Hong Kong, before escaping South Korea in the afternoon, 2-0.
Ann Antolihao was solid for the Blu Girls against Korea, only allowing five hits while leaving seven stranded on base for the complete game shutout in 78 pitches.
It was at the top of the fourth inning that Antolihao showed her pitching prowess, escaping a one-outer with two runners in scoring position situation. She struck out Seol Gaeun before a groundout by Ju Hyoju.
Alaiza Talisik started the scoring in the fifth inning with a double to left-center field that scored Khrisha Cantor from first base, 1-0.
Cantor then added the insurance run in the sixth with a run-batted-in single to right field that brought Danica Aquino home, 2-0.
Meanwhile, the Blu Girls utilized a five-run third-inning barrage against Hong Kong, courtesy of hits from Arianne Vallestero, Talisik, and Aquino as well as a walk from Charlotte Sales with the bases loaded, to pull away, 6-0.
With MJ Maguad and Vallestero in scoring position at the bottom of the fourth stanza, Cantor hammered a sacrifice fly to center field for the final run of the game before pitcher Glory Alonzo tallied the final three outs in the fifth to activate the mercy rule.
Alonzo also had a complete game shutout in 75 pitches, only allowing three hits while Hong Kong’s Lau Suet-man was peppered with seven hits while also allowing five walks.
The tournament is the last qualifying tournament for the World Cup come July next year in Europe.
Up next for the Philippines will be Thailand and Chinese Taipei tomorrow, April 3.
