WITH a starting nine-man rotation brimming with talent and an offensive-minded coach calling the shots, the Philippines opens its campaign against Indonesia today in Group B of the XIV East Asia Baseball Cup at the Clark International Sports Complex in Mabalacat, Pampanga
“We have a balanced lineup of left and right-handed batters who can really hit and drive the ball to all fields with power! We are going to put our nine best hitters in the starting line-up, and I feel confident we did that,” said debuting national baseball coach Vince Sagisi Jr.
Tipped as the pre-tournament favorite, the Pinoy sluggers battle the Indonesians at 1:30 p.m. in a triple-header kicking off with a pair of Group A matches.
Malaysia takes on Hong Kong in the 9 a.m. opener and Thailand tackles Cambodia at 1:30 p.m.
Veteran pitcher Romeo Jasmin will start for the Filipinos, who are out to sweep the tournament where the top two squads will qualify for the Asian Men’s Baseball Championship in Japan next year.
“We have a seasoned veteran on the mound in Romeo Jasmin against Indonesia. Jasmin can really pitch. So, no disrespect to Indonesia, but I like our chances of winning our first game,” Sagisi said confidently.
Left fielder Ian Mercado will lead off the batting order, followed by versatile shortstop Agon De Vera, Kyle Soberano (center fielder), Claren Caasalan (third base), Mark Beronilla (designated hitter), Harper Sy (first base), John Vargas (right field), Steve Manaig (catcher) and Adrian Bernardo (second base), respectively.
“We warmly welcome all participating countries to the 14th East Asia Baseball Cup in Clark, Pampanga. I expect to witness exciting and thrilling games throughout the tournament,” Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Chito Loyzaga said in a statement.
“I’m confident our Philippine team is ready to showcase their talent and capabilities on the field in front of our countrymen. Their performance will not only make us proud but also inspire the future generations of Filipino baseball players,” Loyzaga added.
The top two teams in each group advance to the super round, which will be played together with the classification round on Friday and Saturday, with the winners of the super round disputing the championship on Sunday.