MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Blu Girls failed to get over the hump against Chinese Taipei as they settled for fourth place in the 2018 Asian Games softball tournament.

Absorbing a 2-3 loss from the same team a day ago, the Blu Girls missed a chance of securing at least a bronze medal following a 6-3 semifinals defeat from the Taiwanese at the GBK softball field in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday, August 23. 

A win against Chinese Taipei in the preliminary round would have given the Filipinas a 5-1 record, which was good for second place, and an outright bronze medal.

Following a 1-1 deadlock after three innings, the Taiwanese delivered 5 runs in the 4th and 5th innings combined to break the game wide open for a commanding 6-1 advantage. 

The Filipinas tried to mount a comeback with runs from Chelsea Kaitlyn Suitos and Reese Miquelle Guevarra in the 5th but failed to score in the final two innings. 

Already assured of bronze, Chinese Taipei will face China in a game that will determine the team that will duke it out with Japan in the gold-medal match. – Rappler.com