Philippines Defeat Thailand as Rain Disrupts Asian Games Softball Schedule
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Philippines secured their second straight victory in the women’s softball competition at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, defeating Thailand 7-0 on Tuesday.
The match was later followed by rain that interrupted the remaining schedule at Anjo Softball Ground. The Chinese Taipei-China game was suspended and will continue on Wednesday, while the other scheduled matches were also moved.
The Philippines made a slow start, with neither team scoring in the opening inning. They broke the deadlock in the second inning when Francesca Altomonte delivered a two-run double.
Captain Mary Clarisse Nathalie Sales then increased the advantage in the third inning with a two-run home run. The Philippines added another run in the same inning to establish a 5-0 lead.
They scored once more in the fourth inning and added their final run in the fifth to complete a comfortable 7-0 win.
The Philippines finished the game with eight hits, including three doubles and one home run, while Thailand managed only two hits.
Sales contributed two runs and two RBIs, while Altomonte recorded two hits and two RBIs. Rhea Joy Villamin also made an important contribution with a double and an RBI.
The Philippines pitching staff produced a combined shutout. Mary Joy Laurente allowed one hit during the opening two innings before Mary Joy Alpitche took over and pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit. Sydney Lynn Vitangcol completed the game with a hitless fifth inning.
The three pitchers combined to allow only two hits and one walk.
Alpitche was credited with the victory, while Thailand starting pitcher Nessara Utthong was charged with the defeat after giving up seven runs on eight hits across four innings.
The victory followed the Philippines’ comeback win against Korea on Monday, giving the team two consecutive victories in the tournament.
Rain Forces Schedule Changes
Rain later interrupted the rest of Tuesday’s softball programme.
The Chinese Taipei-China game was suspended and is scheduled to resume on Wednesday at 9:00 am. The remaining Opening Round matches that were affected by the weather have also been rescheduled.
The revised programme will begin with the completion of the Chinese Taipei-China game before the other postponed Opening Round fixtures are played.
