THE Philippines finally chalked up a win in the World Cup of Softball XI as the World No. 23 Blu Girls edged No. 19 Venezuela, 2-1, before bowing to No. 3 Australia, 2-3, on Saturday at ASA Hall of Fame Complex’s Field 3 in Oklahoma City (Sunday, Manila time).
Fil-Am Dani Gilmore blasted a solo home run in the third inning and Angelie Ursabia stole home in the sixth to give the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Filipinas the cushion that led to their breakthrough victory after five consecutive losses. Venezuela remained winless at 0-5.
Sierra Lange stood at the forefront of the Blu Girls’ defense against Venezuela, pitching a five-hitter in a no-relief job while striking out three batters. She gave up a solo homer to Yaicey Sojo in the bottom seventh but the Filipinas held on for the win.
The upset-conscious Philippine softbelles enjoyed a 2-1 upperhand up until the bottom seventh, where they conceded two costly runs that allowed the fancied Aussies to escape with the triumph.
The Blu Girls will next compete in the World Women’s Softball Championships in Surrey, Canada from July 15 to 24.
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