SEA Games 2025: PH batters improve to 4-0 ahead of Thailand clash

Paulo Macasaet sparks the Philippines’ win over Vietnam in men’s baseball at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.–SEA GAMES POOL PHOTO

BANGKOK—The Philippine men’s baseball team rolled past Vietnam, 21-1, in seven innings on Tuesday to stay unbeaten in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games ahead of its marquee showdown with host Thailand.

A six-run first inning sparked by Paulo Macasaet, while pitchers James Vincent Nisnisan and relievers Joshua Pineda and Mar Joseph Carolino combined for 14 strikeouts for another blowout victory for the Filipino batters at Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium.

READ: SEA Games 2025: PH crushes Malaysia to go 3-0 in baseball

Team Philippines improved to 4-0 going into the matchup with Thailand the following day in a likely preview of the gold medal match.

“We just want to get as much confidence as possible heading into our game against Thailand,” said Macasaet.

Thailand won its first three games by convincing margins to pose as a big threat in the Philippines’ quest to retain the gold it won back home during the last time baseball was played at the Games in 2019.

READ: SEA Games 2025: PH beats Singapore in another dominant display

The Thais were playing Singapore as of posting time for a chance at staying tied with the Philippines for top spot.

Macasaet drove in three RBIs, including a two-run double with one out in the top of the first inning that opened the door to another offensive onslaught by the Philippines.

His two-bagger allowed John Leonel Matanguihan and Joven Maulit to score from third and second. Matanguihan and Maulit started the game with back-to-back singles before advancing to scoring position on Bong Liguayan’s sacrifice bunt.