Taiwanese slam door on Habagat

Games today

8:30 a.m. – Chinese-Taipei vs Korea (AsPac finals)

11 a.m. – Philippines vs Indonesia (SEA finals)

MANILA, Philippines - Powerhouse Chinese-Taipei unleashed its batting power against host Philippines and slammed the door on the Habagat via a regulated 15-0 victory in yesterday’s semifinals of the PONY International Asia Pacific Bronco Division championship at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Taiwanese, the defending world titlist in the premier 11-12 age bracket, peppered Filipino hurlers Stephen delos Santos, Basil Taylo and Naoki Akita with 18 hits while keeping the home side hitless to hack out the one-sided triumph that sent them into their expected place in today’s finale.

Chinese-Taipei battles Korea at 8:30 a.m. for the AsPac crown and the right to represent the region again in the PONY International Bronco World Series slated Aug. 1-4 in Los Alamitos, California.

The Koreans advanced after beating Japan, 11-5, in the other semifinal pairing of the event backed by McDonald’s, Purefoods, Gatorade, Magnolia Purewater, Nutrilite, Jamba Juice, Angel’s, Country Style Donuts.

The Habagat could still finish the six-nation regionals on a high if they could retain the Southeast Asian title by hurdling Indonesia in the SEA finals today at 11 a.m.

“Chinese-Taipei is the best in the world in this level, no question about that,” said Habagat coach Mike Ochosa after the five-inning setback. “They are big and strong, they are full 12 year olds who attend baseball school and they hit hard.”

The Taiwanese wasted little time imposing their hitting prowess against the hosts, tagging starter De Los Santos with four quick hits in the first inning highlighted by RBI singles by Kuo Wen Yi and Cho Wei.  

They added two more error-aided runs in the second frame to double their lead then unleashed a seven-run binge off eight hits against Phl’s second pitcher Taylo in the third to take the game out of the Habagat’s reach, 11-0.

The Filipino batters failed to get things going against Taiwan’s starter Liu Kai Cheng and his relievers Cho and Cheng Yi Hsuan, who kept them fruitlessly swinging the entire game.

The hosts could only get into scoring position in the third inning when sub RJ Aranzano walked to first and stole second base, only to get stranded when the Taiwanese forced the last two outs.