James Nisnisan stars as Adamson edges UST to close UAAP Men’s Baseball opening day

Adamson University started strong but finished stronger, fending off a big inning from the University of Santo Tomas to claim a 7–6 win and close out the opening day of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Baseball Tournament on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Soaring Falcons struck first, but they got a jolt in the sixth inning when the Golden Sox scored five runs.

Adamson responded with a five-run rally over the final three innings they batted, before second-year reliever James Nisnisan sealed the opener in this tournament, held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Trailing 2–6 in the sixth frame after UST’s explosive offense, Adamson narrowed the gap with a three-run response.

Kean Matanguihan and Chris Bacarisas reached base on a hit-by-pitch and a walk off Elgin Mendoza, respectively. Then a double from John Mark Tupig drove in Matanguihan and Bacarisas, who scored on a daring steal of home.

Two more runs from the Falcons proved enough to deny the Golden Sox a comeback, as Adamson’s defense held firm in the ninth and final frame.

Hits from Bacarisas, Tupig, and Nisnisan accounted for the key runs, which ultimately became insurance for the victory.

Head coach Lando Binarao acknowledged the win but hopes for improved performance in the coming games.

“Sinabi ko lang sa kanila: una, hindi mananalo ang team kung walang palo. Dalawang beses kaming nag-full bases pero hindi nag-click ‘yung palo. Nung nagkaroon ng tao ang UST, sila pa ang nag-click,” said Binarao, who also serves as national team head coach.

“Malayo pa naman ang innings, so sabi ko na kaya pa ‘yan. Pero hindi ako satisfied kasi nanalo kami dahil sa error ng UST.”

James Nisnisan, who joined the national team last year, played a pivotal role for Adamson on both sides of the ball.

The 20-year-old finished with two hits in five at-bats, drove in two RBIs, and closed out the game in the ninth by retiring three of the four batters he faced.

The Soaring Falcons will aim for a strong start against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Sunday’s third game.

UST threatened a comeback in the sixth inning with a five-run surge fueled by four consecutive hits from Sean De Leon, Prince Harry Geronimo, Erjohn Gallos, and the returning Marvin Trillana.

De Leon added another run later in the frame, but Adamson retired the side with a strikeout of Geronimo.

That proved to be the last offensive push from the Golden Sox, despite two-hit performances from De Leon, Gallos, and Trillana. Gallos and Geronimo both recorded two RBIs.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Geronimo and Mendoza combined for four earned runs but issued seven walks, undermining what had otherwise been a controlled effort.

UST will look to bounce back against the De La Salle Green Batters on Sunday, in the game preceding the Ateneo-Adamson matchup.