MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men's baseball team blasted Palestine, 12-0, to open its campaign in the 20th Asian Games at the Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium in Japan on Monday. Ferdinand Liguayan Jr. unleashed a grand slam (a four-run hit) in the top of the sixth inning, where the Philippines scored five runs total for a 9-0 lead. The Filipinos added three more runs in the seventh inning, prompting the application of the mercy rule in the Pool A opening round match. The Philippines faces China on Tuesday, with a win likely giving the former a slot in the Super Round.