Philippine Blu Boys in the Men’s Softball Asia Cup.
The Philippine Blu Boys secured a return trip to the Men’s Softball World Cup following a third place finish in the Men’s Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan.
Needing just five innings to complete a 7-0 drubbing of Hong Kong in the consolation round game at Haruno Softball Stadium, the Blu Boys sealed the third Asian slot allotted for the World Cup which will be held in 2025.
It will be the 10th appearance in the last 12 World Cup editions for the Filipino batters, including the one held in December 2022 when they placed 10th out of 12 teams with a 2-6 record.
All softball teams have secured World Cup spots this year, including the Blu Girls, their U-15 counterparts and the co-ed team.
The Blu Boys went 3-2 for third place in the preliminary round, with their two defeats coming at the expense of eventual champion Japan and losing finalist Singapore.
A six-run third inning allowed the Blu Boys to take control of the match for third to beat Hong Kong for the second time in the competition.
John Lucas broke the scoreless tie with a two-run double before Kenneth Torres’ single to left allowed two runners to score to double the Philippine lead.
Juliuz Dela Cruz struck out nine after pitching a one-hit shutout for the Blu Boys.