China’s Lu Ying home run hit in the top of six helped them earn four runs in their dramatic comeback victory to down Philippines 8-3 and stay on course for their Tokyo Olympics dream.
It was Philippines who drew first blood to take a 3 run lead in very first inning in the Group B match in the WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania Qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Shanghai Chongming Sports Training Center.
China are fast earning the tag “comeback artist”, for in their opening match against New Zealand on Tuesday, when they were also down by 3 runs in second inning, but came back to win 8-3.
They did it again today after coming back from being down to Philippines 3 runs in the first inning to win by a similar 8-3 score.
However, China’s coach Corey Myers said the game was giving him palpitation.
“I thought the game against New Zealand was enough and we showed character and confidence to comeback to win. But to go through it again to today, was nerve wrecking,” said Myers.
“But on the other hand, it only showed that China who always had talent but lacked confidence and believe in themselves, have finally arrived to discover what they are capable off.”
China play Korea in their final game tomorrow and Myers hopes, the team does not take him through another heart beating moment.
As for Philippines, Myers said he has expected them to come at China with guns blazing and they did exactly that.
“I have seen Philippines playing twice and they have been improving and was at their best today.”
Myers said he was counting on Philippines to reach the Super rounds and could make their mark here.
Philippines coach Venerando Dizer said his team started off well, but in the end, their pitching and cracking under pressure, cost them the game.
“The game was definitely for our taking, but in the end we have to blame ourselves for this defeat. It was close yet so far,” said a disappointed Dizer.
“We started off pitching excellent through Ezra Jalandoni, but in the later stages she was tiring and I should have brought in Sierras Lange earlier.
“We have an uphill task, but we intend to make the Super rounds and see what happens.”
Philippines who had defeated Korea 10-1 in their opening match, play their final group match against New Zealand.
Philippines took the lead when Skylynne Ellazar triples to deep center field for Chelsea Suitors and Angelie Ursabia to give gave a 2 run lead before Arianne Vallestero lets out sacrifice fly deep left field for Ellazar to complete for their third run in the first inning.
It took China in the top of four to get a run when Yuan Huai Ning’s out to the left field for a sacrifice saw Liu Yi Ning to score. But it was a pity that they only could pick up a run when they had done well to have loaded bases.
A tactical move in the top of five by coach Corey Myers to retire batter Liu Li Li to bring in the next batter Ren Min, paid dividends, when her singles score put Chen Jia to pick up another run to reduce the deficit to 2-3.
Philippines brought in their American based pitcher Lange for Ezra, but it was a little too late.
In the top of six, Lu Ying’s home hit to the deep left centre, saw China move ahead with Li Qi, Chen Jia, Yan Si Su together picking up four runs to add to their earlier Xu Jia’s run for an 8-3 lead for victory.
China picked up another run in the next inning through Li Huan after Chen Jia let fly a sacrifice out to centre field to conclude the game.
