Pathum thani: The Philippine men's baseball team narrowly defeated host Thailand, 8-7, in a dramatic 10-inning contest, setting the stage for their title clash at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games held at the Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium. This victory allowed the Filipino team to remain undefeated with a 5-0 record.
According to Philippines News Agency, the turning point came with a throwing error at home plate with one out and the bases loaded, enabling Bong Liguayan and Gio Gorpido to score the crucial tying and winning runs. This result confirmed that both the Philippines and Thailand, who are now at 4-1, will meet again for the gold on Friday.
The two teams will play one more game before the final, with the Philippines scheduled to face Laos at 10 a.m. local time, while Thailand will go against winless Malaysia at 2 p.m.
Earlier in the game, the Philippines missed an opportunity to clinch the win in the ninth inning when Paulo Macasaet's grounding into a double play led to extra innings with the score tied at 6-6. Thailand briefly took the lead after Petsunthad Phuttabut scored on a throwing error at the top of the 10th inning.
In response, the Philippines began their half of the 10th inning with ghost runners Liguayan and Macasaet. After advancing to third on John Matanguihan's sacrifice bunt, Liam de Vera's walk loaded the bases. Gorpido then pinched run for Macasaet, setting the stage for Erwin Bosito's grounder to Thailand's third baseman Alexander Clark. Clark's errant throw to the catcher allowed the Philippines to secure the win.
