Blu Boys yield to Kiwis, lose bid for World Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines took another beating, this time against New Zealand, 6-10, and bowed out of the World Baseball Classic qualifier in Taiwan yesterday.

After beating Thailand, 8-2 in the opener, the Philippines suffered back-to-back losses to Chinese-Taipei, 16-0, and New Zealand, set to battle for title in the rain-delayed final day.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Eguia of San Ildefonso, Bulacan impressed long-time Japanese coach Kunifumi Itakuma who plans to bring the lefty pitcher to Japan. According to Itakuma, Eguia has the qualities of playing in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, particularly the Kunichi Dragons where Fil-Japanese pitcher Ryuya Ogawa once played.

“There is a need for left-handed pitchers in Japan and Eguia has a good chance of making it there. Right now he is the top pitcher of the Philippines,” said Itakuma through an interpreter.