PHL team wins championship in Asia-Pacific Pony baseball tournament

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril Santos wrote me this. He asked me to post this as Facebook is inaccessible where he is right now.

Another sporting achievement in vietnam!

The Philippine tot baseball team today became champions in the Mustang division of the Asia-Pacific pony baseball tournament here in Vinh Yen stadium (about 50 km outside of Hanoi). The mustang division is for youngsters 9 to 10 years old. They defeated Singapore during the championship game this morning, 14 homeruns to to 5. Indonesia placed third and Vietnam placed fourth.

Nine-year old John Natanuan was awarded most valuable player for the Mustang division. It was a come-from-behind victory as the PHL team was down 5 runs to 1 in the early innings but bounced back and scored 8 runs in succession in the latter stages of the 6-inning game.

The victory gave the team the right to compete in what, I think, is the world series in Texas this coming August.

Another proud moment for Philippine sports. But what these kids badly need is support, especially from our government and sports organizations. They came here on their own yet it is the country, not just them, that somehow benefits from their hard earned victory.

Here’s GMA 7 News online report:

PHL Little Razcals triumphant in Asia Pacific baseball tilt

The young Philippine Little Razcals baseball team completed the job, claiming the first-ever Asia Pacific Zone Pony Mustang Baseball Championship Sunday at the Vihn Yen baseball field in Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam.

The Little Razcals pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind 14-6 triumph over Singapore to rule this 10-years-and-below tournament.

Down 1-5 after three innings, the Filipinos slowly got their act together in the fourth inning, producing eight huge runs.

With the batters making their presence felt, Little Razcals’ pitcher Atong Natanauan held the Singaporeans to just a run from there on, allowing the team sent by the Philippine Tot Baseball Foundation (PTBF) to romp away with the crown.

Natanauan was later adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament in the event that also drew participation from Indonesia and host Vietnam.

Overall, the Philppines went undefeated in four games.

In the first phase of the tournament, the Razcals routed Vietnam, 26-3; Indonesia, 21-14; and Singapore, 13-3.

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril Santos was on hand to cheer the team, which will represent Asia Pacific in the Pony Mustang Baseball World Series in Texas this August.

PTBF president Rodolfo Tingzon Jr. said the team will take a short break before plunging back into deep training for the tougher World Series.

Aside from Natanauan, the other members of the team are Kiel Agoho, Carl Castaneda, CJ Castillo, Nathan Carpio, Lloyd Cinco, Zian Eleria, Dax Fabella, Javi Limpo, Emman Manaig, Ian Mercado, Enzo Montemayor, Vincent Noprada, Marty Ranada, and Javier Sale. The team is coached by Eric Gesmundo and Christiam Cinco.

The squad arrives 7 p.m. on Monday at the Centennial Terminal 2 Complex onboard Vietnam Airlines VN2692. – KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV