US Ambassador joins BP Fil-Am day festivities
The Philippine national team defeated Baseball Philippines’ selection squad, 6-0, yesterday in the main event of the Fil-Am Friendship Day with no less than US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas as guest of honor at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Charlie Labrador pitched five scoreless frames while striking out seven batters to lift the Nationals to the win in the All-Star game organized by Baseball Philippines and Community Sports Inc.
A two-run single by Jonash Ponce started off the first inning before the national team, preparing for various international tournaments this year, scored three runs in the sixth.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas threw the ceremonial pitch as he reiterated his support to the baseball-playing children.
The US Embassy has been a staunch supporter of the sport donating baseball uniforms and equipment to less fortunate kids especially in the Smokey Mountain area.
“We have joined various groups like the Manila Jaycees, Gawad Kalinga, JCI and other groups who sponsor baseball. It’s a great game and it allows the kids to have fun and do something,” said Thomas.
The Smokey Mountain lost to the Philippine Barakos, 7-1, in five innings in the first game.
“The team had a chance to play at Rizal Memorial and for them, that’s a big deal. It’s something that I hope that the government will support.”
The event is also sponsored by Gatorade, Junior Baseball Softball Foundation of the Philippines, JCI Manila, Emperador Lights, Clark Development Corporation, Smokey’s Sausages, Summit Water, Harbour Centre, Dunkin Donuts and Eagle Sky Corporation.
It is also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association and the Philippine Umpires Association.
