ADAMSON University bounced back with a convincing 14–5 win over the University of the Philippines, securing their second victory in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Baseball tournament on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Soaring Falcons relied on a decisive six-run stretch across the second and third innings to climb to an even 2–2 win-loss record, sharing third place with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the tournament, which is held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.
Adamson capitalized on UP’s errors in those innings and followed up with timely hits to extend their lead, scoring three runs in each of the second and third frames.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Mark Simbajon delivered a two-RBI double off Fighting Maroons starter Daniel Badrina in the second inning, driving in Kurt Cabanillas and JM Tupig to give Adamson a 3–0 lead, building on Tupig’s single that had earlier plated Kean Matanguihan.
A sacrifice hit from Tupig in the third inning, combined with a botched play on Simbajon, extended the lead to 6–0.
Adamson added three more runs each in the sixth and ninth innings, along with a two-run seventh inning, effectively sealing the victory for the San Marcelino-based side.
After a turbulent first round, head coach Lando Binarao expressed relief at the win, recognizing its importance as the competition for a Final Four spot intensifies.
“Yun nga ang aim namin, ang sabi ko ‘tong last two games namin akala ko tatalunin namin ang La Salle, pero gano’n ang naging resulta. So, must-win kami dito sa UP; mabuti na lang tinalo naman ang UP,” said the veteran Adamson head coach.
“Sabi ko, hangga’t hindi natatapos ang UAAP, may pag-asa. Sa lahat naman ‘yan, ang ano lang naman is NU at La Salle andoon sila sa top, pero after that, pare-parehas na standing namin. So, kaya pa hanggang sa second round.”
Kean Matanguihan shone with doubles in the sixth and ninth innings, scoring four crucial runs to deliver the final blows to UP. Tupig and Simbajon each contributed two RBIs early in the offensive surge, while Leonel Matanguihan added two hits and two RBIs to support his cousin in the latter innings.
On the mound, Milko Go Jr. kept the Fighting Maroons in check, allowing just two earned runs on three hits, before senior pitcher Dan Rommel Bacalla closed the game, conceding only two earned runs despite eight hits.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Trailing by six runs, UP responded with a four-run rally across the third and fourth innings, cutting the deficit to 6–4. Team captain Nano Asuncion provided two hits, including a two-RBI double that brought UP on the scoreboard, while Eman Javier and Jhon Musa, who replaced Aaron Nicha, added two hits apiece.
However, nine errors by the Fighting Maroons contributed to five unearned runs, making it difficult for their defense to contain the Soaring Falcons.
UP will look to finish the opening round on a high note when they face Ateneo in a rescheduled game on Sunday at 8 a.m.
| TEAMS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdU | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 3 | ||||
| UP | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 9 |
