RP Blu Boys qualify for Softball World Cup with runner-up finish against Japan in Asian Cup

The Philippine softball team RP Blu Boys are heading to the Men's Softball World Cup after securing a finals slot against Japan in the Men's Softball Asian Cup played Tuesday in Kochi, Japan.

The Blu Boys bowed to Japan, 9-2 in six innings In the finals.

In the course of the tournament, the Philippines lost to Singapore (5-6) and Japan (0-7) in the Super Round matches, but won over India, 8-1.

The Philippines qualified for the finals and booked a slot in the World Cup as it had the lowest number of runs allowed compared to Singapore and India.

In a report by the Asian Softball website, team head coach Apolonio Rosales said he was happy with the team's performance against world no. 2 Japan.

“Japan is a world class team ranked No 2 in the World, and I am very happy with my team’s performance against them,” Rosales said. “We not only had two runs against Japan, but had six hits against them today. That is an improvement for us."

Rosales also said the team needs additional exposure to higher levels of competition ahead of the World Cup.

“We need more exposure and in preparation for the World Cup where the level competition is going to be high, I will be proposing to my association for us to compete in higher level tournaments or go for a training stint and play friendlies with higher ranked teams before we go to New Zealand."

The softball team coach said they aim to finish in the top six out of 12 teams in the World Cup.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president and RP Blu Boys’ benefactor, Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier praised the national team for its performance.

“I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the team for earning a World Cup berth and putting us in the international scene. It’s been a tough journey for our softball players, but it is without a doubt that they have the capacity to compete with other international players and rise above the challenges.We will continue to support them especially as they prepare for the World Cup. This will be a good experience for our players as they test their mettle against world class teams.”

The Men's World Cup will be held on November 26 to December 4 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Philippines placed 16th in the World Cup during the 2019 edition. The country's best finish was fourth back in the 1968 World Championship.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News