by Edwin Rollon
The Philippine Junior baseball team failed to sustain its winning run losing its final elimination group match against Asian superpower Japan, 13-0, on Wednesday in the 13th Asian 18Under Baseball Championship at the Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei.
The Filipinos gallantly fought the five-time champion and reigning Under18 World champion, but the Japanese were too smart and flashy en route to sweeping the group elimination. Still, the Filipinos finished second with a 2-1 card after their impressive victories in the first two days of action in the event sanctioned by the Baseball Federation of Asia and serving as a qualifying meet for the World 18Under Championship next year.
The PH batters roused in their Group B match, winning 10-0 over Sri Lanka on Monday and defeating Hong Kong, 4-2, on Tuesday.
But against the vaunted Japanese, the Filipinos fell short but finished second behind their rival in the four-team elimination round. Thus, the Philippines moved on to the super round where they played South Korea on Friday at 2:30 pm before facing Group A top team and another five-time titlist Chinese-Taipei (3-0) at 7:30 pm.
The top 3 teams in the tournament will be the region’s representative in the World Cup.
Baseball Federation of the Philippines president Chito Loyzaga expressed his admiration for the campaign of the young Pinoy batters which he claimed was ‘the best’ in years.
“This is the first time na makalaro sa super round ang ating koponan. Malaking bagay ito para sa ating mga players na maipakita nila ang kakayahan nila against the best in the region. Japan is a five-time champion here, so it’s a good experience and exposure for them,” said Loyzaga.
“It’s also an eye-opener para sa ating coaching staff headed by Oscar Marcelino. Malalaman natin kung ano pa ang mga kakulangan at dapat gawin para makalapit tayo sa level of competitiveness ng ibang bansa. Nakita natin yung kakayahan nila, yung iba dyan puwede na nating isama sa National senior team sa susunod na mga tournaments,” added the former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner.
