The Philippine Blu Boys blanked Hong Kong, 8-0, to forge a battle for the bronze medal and remain in the hunt for a World Cup berth in the 2023 Men’s Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan Tuesday, June 27.

Leo Barredo and Lyones de Leon took turns in pitching a no-hitter while Kenneth Torres batted in a run that ignited a decisive four-run binge in the second inning that helped seal the rout.

The Philippine Blu Boys set up a bronze medal match after winning over Hong Kong. (Photo from ASAPHIL)

The win earned the Cebuana Lhuillier-financed Blu Boys, who wound up with a 3-2 win-loss mark after the eliminations, a spot in the battle for third place Wednesday, June 28, with another victory ensuring them a World Cup berth.

It was also redemption of sorts for the country after absorbing a pair of defeats to powerhouse Japan, 6-0, and 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Singapore, 9-5.

Japan and Singapore will clash for the gold also Wednesday after finishing the elims with 5-0 and 4-1 marks, respectively.

“The team has given us nothing but pride and hope that we can once again reach the World Cup,” said Amateur Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“We are now more determined than ever to give it our best,” he added.

The Philippines had already clinched slots in three separate World Cups after the Blu Girls, the co-ed slo-pitch team and the women’s Under-15 squad all advanced to the stage.