Eager to finish off the Japanese after monsoon rains halted their match Sunday, the Taiwanese coasted to the six-inning victory at resumption with Bien Jan baffling Japan’s batters by twirling a no-hitter.
But the Japanese, with All-Japan League top hurler Sohei Ogawa debuting for the team, returned to the mound and blasted Singapore, 7-1, as they bounced back in contention in this event organized by the Philippine Pony Baseball/Softball Association, led by its president Rodolfo "Boy" Tingzon, Jr..
Earlier in the day, the Filipinos also thumped the Singaporeans, 6-1, with pitcher Sandy Cirillo and leftfielder Rico Viduya powering the Province of Laguna-backed squad to the victory in the tourney sponsored by SBMA, Jollibee, Hang Ten, Nestle Ice Cream, Subic International Hotel, Victory Liner and Pacific Commerce and Travel Services.
Cirillo completed a three-hitter in five innings while Viduya’s two-run RBIs (runs-batted-in) capped a three-run romp at the top of the fifth.
With the weather expected to improve, so does Chinese-Taipei’s bid as it goes up against winless Singapore even as the Filipino batters resume their campaign against the tough Japanese in what could be a preview of semifinal matches.
Meanwhile, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) chief Hector Navasero withdrew the other RP team, Los Baños-Philab, late Sunday.