The Philippine Blu Boys fell short against the tough Venezuela crew and absorbed a stinging 3-2 defeat in the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group A stage at the Estadio Mundiallistas Hermosillenses in Mexico on Sunday, June 16.

Veteran Rafael Flores went 4-for-4 and hit the game-winning RBI single in the top of the eighth inning to score Carlos Alvarez for the Venezuelans, who remained undefeated in five matches.

Luis Colombo also starred for Venezuela by striking out six Blu Boys against three walks.

Venezuela’s opening round sweep advanced them to the playoffs as the first seeded team while the Blu Boys are set to play Czechia later in the day in the last game of the opening round.

The Blu Boys also fell to a 1-3 card to tie with Czechia and Mexico at the bottom standings behind second-running Dominican Republic (3-1) and Australia (2-3).

The Filipino batters hope to recover in their match against Czechia later in the day.

Prior to the defeat, the Blu Boys are coming off a stunning 3-1 victory against host Mexico the other day. Their previous losses came from Dominican Republic, 5-2, on opening day Thursday, June 13, and reigning champion Australia, 5-4, on Friday, June 14.