By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Pitcher Jehanz Coro produced a gem of a performance and the Philippine Blu Boys shocked host Mexico, 3-1, to stay in the hunt in the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group A stage at the Fernando Ortiz Stadium in Hermosillo, Mexico on Saturday, June 15.
Only 18 but with a steely resolve, Coro fanned five Mexicans and yielded only one run, three hits and the same number of walks to help power the Blu Boys to their first win in three matches.
They earlier lost to the Dominican Republic (5-2) and reigning titlistAustralia (5-4), but against the host, they played laser focused.
Mark Sarmiento also spelled the difference by going 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI and one run scored.
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Boys hope to sustain their momentum in a doubleheader on Sunday, June 16, against Venezuela at 9 a.m. and Czechia at 12 noon (local time).
Their loss to the Aussies was a heartbreaking one but they managed to send a message.
The host squad heard that – loud and clear.
At press time, Dominican Republic currently leads the standings with a 3-0 card and is playing Venezuela, which totes a 2-0 mark.
Mexico’s loss tied them with the Blu Boys at 1-2, followed by Australia (1-2) and Czechia (0-2), which are also playing at press time.
The tournament offers two berths to the 2025 World Cup in Prince Albert, Canada.
