PH opens with ace Jasmin in East Asia Cup

The Philippine men’s baseball team will be banking on veteran pitcher Romeo Jasmin to help set the tone of its title-retention bid in the East Asia Baseball Cup which starts on Tuesday in Clark, Pampanga.

Coach Vince Sagisi named the right-hander to start on the mound for the Filipinos, who will face Indonesia at 1:30 p.m. at The Villages inside the Clark International Sports Complex, the site of the team’s conquest of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold.

Jasmin was named MVP of last year’s edition held in Thailand where the Philippines swept its way to the championship.

The submarine thrower capped off that performance with a sterling seven-inning job in the final as the Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 10-2.

“We have a seasoned veteran on the mound in Romeo Jasmin, who can really pitch,” Sagisi said.

Sagisi also named his batting order with left fielder Ian Mercado leading off followed by shortstop Agon de Vera and center fielder Kyle Soberano.

Batting cleanup is third baseman Clarence Caasalan, Mark Beronilla will be fifth playing designated hitter, Harper Sy at first base, John Vargas in right field, Steven Manaig at catcher and Aids Bernardo at second.

The Philippines is in Group B and will also face Singapore on Wednesday. The top two teams will advance to the super round along with the two best teams in Group A.

Group A has Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. The super round is on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 with the two best teams facing off in Sunday’s final. INQ