World baseball q’fier: Kiwis oust Filipinos

A Philippine team loaded with former and current US Major and Minor League players suffered back-to-back losses to Australia and New Zealand and bowed out of contention in the World Baseball Classic Qualifier on Friday in Sydney, Australia.

The Filipinos yielded a 7-4 lead in the sixth inning and eventually lost to New Zealand, 17-7, two innings later after the game was halted due to the 10-run mercy rule Friday.

On Thursday, the Philippines greeted Australia with a run in the first frame but were also later blown off the field, 11-1, following a seven-run explosion by the hosts in the seventh inning.

Leadoff hitter Eric Farris, who played for the Minnesota Twins’ Triple-A affiliate for the past two seasons, had four hits, including two doubles, for the Philippines in the game against New Zealand.

Former New York Yankees and Texas Rangers pitcher Clay Rapada failed to stop Australia’s match-ending seven-run assault.

The Philippines next faces South Africa, which routed New Zealand, 7-1, Thursday. Marc Anthony Reyes; with a report from AP