PH batters enter SEA Games finals after dramatic 10-inning escape vs Thailand

The Philippine baseball team proved it can win even when the game tightens, outlasting host Thailand in a dramatic 10-inning showdown, 8–7, to secure a spot in the gold-medal match of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at the Queen Sirikit Sports Center in Pathum Thani.

After four blowout victories to start the tournament, the Filipinos were finally dragged into deep waters—only to show they could swim just as well under pressure. 

Their previously unstoppable offense was met head-on by a determined Thai squad, turning what had been a series of routs into a preview of a championship dogfight.

The Philippines and Thailand, now sporting 5–0 and 4–1 records respectively, will formally meet again for the gold on Friday. But Wednesday’s contest already felt like the first chapter of the final.

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NO LOSSES IN SIGHT FOR THE DEFENDING CHAMPS!

The Philippine Men’s Baseball Team showcase heart as they extend their undefeated run with an 8-7 overtime victory against host team Thailand in their preliminary round showdown at the #SEAGames2025.#SEAGames33 #TibayAtTatag pic.twitter.com/JpcoFFwiC3

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 10, 2025

Thailand briefly seized control in the 10th inning, jumping ahead 7–6 and placing pressure squarely on the Filipino side. 

But the Philippines responded with the type of grit that can’t be measured by run differentials. With the bases loaded and tension peaking, Erwin Bosito hit a sharp grounder to Thai third baseman Alexander Clark.

What looked like a potential game-saving play for the hosts turned into disaster—Clark’s throw to home sailed wide, allowing Ferdinand Liguayan and Cer Gio Gorpido to cross the plate and complete the comeback.

It was the narrowest escape yet for a Philippine squad that had previously dominated its opponents by an average of 17.25 runs per game. But instead of rattling them, the close call only revealed another layer of their title readiness.

The Filipinos wrap up their elimination campaign against Laos on Thursday, while Thailand faces Malaysia, though both teams are already assured of another meeting—with a gold medal on the line.

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