Blu Girls bow to Japanese

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Blu Girls succumbed to powerhouse Japan, 13-0, and stayed winless in two matches in group play of the Women’s Softball World Cup yesterday in Castions di Istrada and Buttrio, Italy.

It was a quick defeat for the Filipino batters in only four innings as the Japanese, ranked No. 2 in the world, ran roughshod in the first two innings with a string of unstoppable runs.

Japan improved to 2-0 for second place in Group C behind host Italy (3-0) as the Philippines slid to 0-2 after also bowing to world No. 5 Canada Sunday, 5-0.