CLARK, Pampanga – The Philippine men’s baseball team went off to a rousing start as it annihilated Indonesia, 13-1, to open its title defense in the 14th BFA East Asia Baseball Cup Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 29, at the Villages inside Clark International Sports Complex.

Veteran pitcher Romeo Jasmin dropped four hits in five innings as the Filipino batters took care of business early after listing six runs in the first frame which was enough to dictate the tempo of the game.

“I give credit to Indonesia, they played well, they played hard.But our philosophy is we’re gonna score runs, we like to swing the bat,” said the 61-year-old head coach Vince Sagisi. 

“We like to hit, and we have guys that can hit,” he added.

With their triumph, the Nationals earned the top spot in Group B with a 1-0 card while Indonesia dropped to 0-1. They will face Singapore this Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the same venue.

The Philippines is eyeing for its fifth consecutive crown in the tournament that is presented by Smart, PLDT and PSC also sponsored by San Miguel Foods, Clark Development Corp. etc.

MJ Beronilla, Kyle Soberano and Clarence Caasalan ignited the Philippines’ stellar opening rally for a comfortable 6-0 cushion.

Ricky Takahashi’s RBI single gave Indonesia its lone score as the Philippines sealed the deal with six more runs to inch closer for another ticket in the Asian Championship where Japan and South Korea are waiting,

Meanwhile in Group A, Thailand obliterated Cambodia, 14-4, while Hong Kong whipped Malaysia, 16-1, both in seven innings of their respective matches.