Blu Boys qualify to World Cup

(UPDATE) THE Philippine men's softball team demolished Hong Kong, 7-0, to claim the bronze medal in the 12th Men's Softball Asia Cup on Wednesday, June 28, in Kochi, Japan.

More importantly, the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Boys also secured the third and final berth at stake in the Men's Softball World Cup.

The Philippine Blu Boys huddle at the pitcher’s mound before the start of the third inning against Hong Kong in the battle for third place in the 12th Men’s Softball Asia Cup on Wednesday, June 28, in Kochi, Japan. ASAPHIL PHOTO

The first two World Cup slots have been taken by the Japanese and the Singaporeans who clashed for the Asian title at post time.

“We are more than proud of our boys as they showed how passion can lead to victory,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) President Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“Their hard work definitely paid off, and we are more than glad to support them as they prepare for the World Cup.”

The national team is composed of John Israel Antonio, Jerome Bacarisas, Leo Barredo, Denmark Bathan, Melvin de Castro, Lyonas de Leon, Juliuz de la Cruz, Mark Janzen Gaspi, Francis Generoso, John Norwen Lucas, Efril Ian Mercado, Micheal Pagkaliwagan, Reagan Parco, Gerone Riparir, Justine John Rosales and Kenneth Torres.

The coaches are Jasper Cabrera and Isidro Abella.

With the inclusion of the Blu Boys, Asaphil will now send four teams in the World Cup organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation as the Philippines earlier qualified in the Women's Softball World Cup, the Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball World Cup and the Women's Under-15 World Cup.