The Philippines overcame an early deficit to beat Thailand 8-2 in the opener of the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifier in New Taipei City yesterday.
Andre Vasquez and Alec Rosales knocked in a pair of runs each, while Ryan Pineda and Fernando Laurel pounded out six combined hits to lead the Philippines to victory.
Starter Jon Robles gave up an unearned run in the opening frame on two hits, but quickly regained his composure by retiring all but three of the next 13 batters he faced to pick up the win.
He left with a runner on and one out in the fifth, before the Philippine bullpen took over to keep the Thai lineup to just one more run.
Thai starter Kamolphan Kanjanavisut failed to sustain his early success. After holding the Philippines scoreless through the third he served up three runs on as many hits on top of a pair of errors by his defense to suffer the loss.
Taiwan easily cruised past New Zealand in a 10-0 decision over seven innings in the night game in Sinjhuang last night.
Taipei Times
