TEAM Philippines opened its 2026 Asian Games baseball campaign in dominant fashion, blanking Palestine, 12-0, in the Group A opener as the national squad immediately stamped its authority on the tournament.
The Filipinos came out attacking from the first inning, scoring four runs right away and consistently putting runners on base throughout the game.
Baseball Philippines secretary general Mike Asuncion credited the team’s aggressive approach and the game plan prepared by head coach Lando Binarao and his coaching staff.
“I’d say the team started strong and attacked all the way. Every inning there was pressure on Palestine’s pitcher, even when we didn’t score, there was always a runner on base,” said Binarao.
Asuncion said the Philippines was also familiar with Palestine’s roster, particularly its US-based players, after facing the same group in an international competition in China last year.
The victory gives the Philippines an early boost as it looks to compete with Asia’s top baseball nations.
“I think they fielded US-based players because we played against them last year in China,” the coach added.
Now, the challenge gets tougher.
The Philippines faces powerhouse China at 12 noon Tuesday coming off an 11-3 loss to world champion Japan.
After the 12-0 demolition of Palestine, Team Philippines looks to carry the momentum into its next Group A assignment and make another statement against one of Asia’s leading baseball teams. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
