Nicole Hammoude homers, Angelu Gabriel drives in three in Philippines win over New Zealand

The Philippines remained in contention for a spot in the playoffs with a 5-3 win against New Zealand, in a very entertaining game played in Buttrio. Nicole Hammoude and Angelu Gabriel knocked in the five runs for the Asian team.

In the top of the first inning, with a runner on base, Hammoude sent the first pitch she saw over the left field fence to give Philippines an early two run lead. 

However, in the bottom half of the inning, New Zealand’s first baseman Rebecca Bromhead found the bases loaded and tied the game with a single to left field, to bring in Mikayla Werahiko and Brooke Whiteman. 

In the top of the third, Angelu put the Philippines again in front with a two-run double to the left field line.

In the fourth, New Zealand had a great chance to put together a big rally, loading the bases with two outs. But they only could cash in one run on a walk by Bromhead, since Philippines reliever Royevel Palma struck out Shyah Hale in three pitches.

In the top of the seventh, Angelu drove in an insurance run for her team with a single.

For the Philippines, Palma was the winning pitcher in four innings of work, allowing two hits and one run while striking out three.