Iloilo bows to US team but moves on in WS

MANILA, Philippines - Asia-Pacific bet Iloilo Province dropped a 0-1 loss to USA Central in the last day of pool play but still advanced to the quarterfinals of the Junior League Softball World Series Wednesday in Kirkland, Washington (Thursday in Manila).

The Ilonggas actually outhit Central’s representative from Canfield, Ohio, 3-2, but just couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities to settle for a 1-3 win-loss record in Pool A. 

It was, however, good enough for fourth spot in the pool and a berth to the crossover quarterfinals against the topnotcher of Pool B, unbeaten USA East rep West Cumberland (4-0).

Canfield drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning. Ally Durkin started off action with a single to centerfield, then pounced on a fielder’s choice to advance to second and third and eventually reach home.

Over in the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Aspac representative Iloilo ended its campaign with a 6-0 triumph over District 4’s Tualatin City in their battle for seventh place.

Royeve Palma tossed a one-hitter and struck out 11 batters in a splendid no-relief job for Iloilo.

Meanwhile, Aspac titlist International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM) drubbed Canada’s Cape Breton, 15-1, to improve to 1-2 in Pool B of the Senior League Baseball World Series in Bangor, Maine.

ILLAM seized an early 6-0 lead, behind a fielder’s choice, a bases-loaded walk by Joshua Salinas, and a walk by Javi Macasaet in first inning and a wild pitch and a two-run single by Rafael Esguerra in the second frame, and didn’t let go.