Blu Boys blank Thais in four-inning job

ANGELES, Pampanga, Philippines — Father and son Apol and Justine Rosales came through with heroic plays as the Philippines routed Thailand, 11-0, yesterday to jumpstart its gold medal bid in men’s softball of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at The Villages ground at the Clark Freeport Zone here.

Justine, a 16-year-old shortstop, had a two-run hit and an RBI (runs batted in) while Rosales, the 42-year-old playing coach, unloaded a one-run homer in the third inning to help the Blu Boys claim their first win that launched their gold campaign.

“It was special because this is the first time my son and I are playing together in the SEA Games,” said Rosales.

The Philippines fielded in three pitchers in Marlon Pagkaliwagan, Raegan Parco and Leo Barredo in shutting out the Thais in a match that lasted only four innings.

They play Indonesia today and top rival Singapore tomorrow.

Rosales, who had a stop in Indonesia as its national coach from 2015, said he wants to win his fourth SEAG gold.

“I just want to help our team win the gold,” said Apol.

In women’s softball, the Blu Girls overpowered Malaysia, 7-1, to post its second straight win.

The Randy Dizer-coached host country smashed Singapore, 6-0, earlier in the day.