LIVING up to its top billing, the Philippines exploded with five runs in the bottom of the eighth to whip Hong Kong 9-2 in the finals last Sunday and rule the East Cup baseball tournament at the Clark International Sports Complex in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Pinoy sluggers rode the hot bat of catcher Steven Manaig, who scored one run and had three RBIs (runs-batted-in) in the penultimate inning as the hosts completed a sweep of their matches.
Adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, starting pitcher Rome Jasmin Jr. lasted six innings, limiting his rivals to four hits and one run while striking out four and committing just one error in the finals of the tournament organized by the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association.
Losing pitcher Cheng Yu Hin surrendered 11 hits and three runs plus three errors before being replaced in the fifth inning by Ho Sam Leung.
The match was more lopsided than the 4-2 decision of the hosts in the super round, even as both teams sealed slots to the Asia Cup in Japan next season.
“They (the Philippine players) have been working diligently in preparation for the East Asia Cup and got the job done. Give them credit as I only played a small part in the team’s success,” said coach Vince Sagisi Jr. as he relished the first international triumph of the national team under his leadership.
“As usual, Jasmin played a big role for us as a starter, drawing from his vast international experience. He deserved to be the MVP,” Sagisi said.
“This championship should send a strong signal to our rivals in the 33rd Thailand Southeast next year that we intend to dominate the tournament,” PABA president Chito Loyzaga said with a hint of pride in his voice. “This is just the start of big and good things to come for Philippine baseball and the team.”
