Jr Blu Girls bounce back with 11-1 ripping of Malaysians

Team Philippines got back on its feet in the Asian Junior Women’s Softball Championship on Monday, ripping Malaysia to shreds, 11-1, even as defending champion Chinese Taipei continued to flaunt mean form after posting a third straight shutout at Clark International Sports Complex in Pampanga.

Hurlers Alma Tauli and Kianna Juan gave up just a combined three hits to anchor the defense of the Junior Blu Girls, who came into the game still licking the wounds of a sorry 1-0 loss to formidable China on Sunday.

Tauli gave up the first two hits before giving the mound to Juan, who closed out with one run and one hit in a two-inning relief job as the Blu Girls reduced the game to four innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

“Tauli and Juan blended well and my hitters found their mark,” said Philippine coach Isaac Bacarisas.

The Taiwanese continued to play with efficiency, dismantling Thailand this time, 12-0 even as Japan also won a third straight game, a 10-3 decision of China.

Korea dealt India a second straight defeat via a 10-0 rout.

The Japanese, half of them southpaws, outhit and outran the Chinese while hurlers Sone Hanna and Mio Sakamoto combined for three hits over seven innings to anchor the lopsided result.

“It’s really hot out there. My players were affected by the scorching summer. It’s good they were able to withstand the searing heat,” said Japan’s Haruka Saito through an interpreter after Japan stretch its winning run.