PH Men’s Baseball claims SEA Games gold with win over Thailand

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The Philippine men’s baseball team secured the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a 5-3 victory over host Thailand on Friday at Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium in Pathum Thani. Veteran pitcher Romeo Jasmin led the way with a masterful eight-inning performance, striking out 10 batters, while lefty reliever Amiel de Guzman closed the game with the final three outs.

The win continues the Philippines’ dominance in regional baseball, marking the third straight gold for the team and the fourth of five SEA Games editions featuring the sport. Previous triumphs came in 2005, 2011, and 2019, with the Philippines overcoming Thailand and Indonesia along the way.

Philippine players celebrate their third straight SEA Games baseball gold. [POC Media Pool]

Jasmin’s stellar pitching sets the tone

Jasmin, 37, displayed veteran control, at times using submarine-style deliveries to shut out Thailand through the first five innings while allowing just a single hit. The offense responded early, with Jennard Pareja scoring in the first inning on a Mark Steven Manaig single after drawing a leadoff walk.

The Philippines extended its lead in the third and fourth innings through a combination of walks, hit-by-pitches, and timely hitting. Clarence Caasalan and James Vincent Nisnisan helped pad the lead in the third, while Mark Beronilla drove in Erwin Bosito in the fourth. Jasmin faced his first serious challenge in the sixth as Thailand scored twice, but the early lead and steady pitching kept the Philippines ahead.

De Guzman seals victory for the Philippines

The Filipinos added an insurance run in the seventh when a fielding error allowed Beronilla to score, making it 5-2. Thailand cut the lead to 5-3 in the eighth on a sacrifice fly, keeping the game within reach.

In the ninth, De Guzman relieved Jasmin and delivered under pressure. The 23-year-old struck out two batters and recorded a key out at second on a fielder’s choice, preserving the win and sending the Philippines men’s baseball team to the top of the podium once again. Coach Orlando Binarao and his staff celebrated the third straight gold while reflecting on past defeats that made the victory especially sweet.