The Philippines' struggles continued in the 16th World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) men’s softball world championship in Prague, Czech Republic.

The Filipinos came close to scoring a breakthrough win, but they surrendered 2 runs in the seventh and last inning to lose 4-1 to the hosts Wednesday.

Ernesto Binarao singled in Jerome Bacarisas for the first and only run by the Blu Boys, who are winless in 5 games and occupy last place in Group A.

Despite the setback, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president and softball patron Jean Henri Lhuillier said he was pleased by the national team's performance.

"We have to be patient with our Blu Boys same with what we did with our Blu Girls," Lhuillier said.

"Look at the women's team now. They are beating countries ranked in the top 10 in the world. We have the same vision for our Blu Boys."

The Blu Boys, ranked 17th in the world, will next face defending champion New Zealand.

Pacing Group A is Asian champion Japan (5-0) followed by Argentina (4-1), while Group B is led by Canada (5-0) followed by Australia (4-1) and Venezuela (4-1).