La Salle bounces back in UAAP baseball as Peter Nonaillada capitalizes on hit by pitch

Peter Nonaillada delivered the game-winning moment that propelled De La Salle University to a thrilling walk-off 5-4 victory over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 Baseball tournament on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The De La Salle Zobel product took the mound in the seventh inning to halt the Fighting Maroons’ offensive momentum before ultimately scoring the winning run off Ezy Bautista’s play, securing La Salle’s fourth win of the season.

The Green Batters now hold a 4-2 record, provisionally claiming solo second place.

This victory came as a strong rebound from their previous 7-11 loss to defending champions National University and served as redemption for their 6-15 defeat against UP in their season opener.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning, Nonaillada capitalized on his stellar pitching performance by stepping in for designated hitter Pio Villamiel. He was then hit by a pitch from UP reliever Ram Matanguihan, forcing in the winning run and sealing the walk-off victory for La Salle.

Earlier in the inning, the Green Batters had a chance to break through, but Bautista and Aragorn De Vera were unable to advance after back-to-back flyouts from Liam De Vera and Tuting Samuel.

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila bago pumasok ‘tong second round, ito, mental ballgame na ito. Kailangan ‘yung mental toughness at baseball IQ, patalinuhan na sa laro ito. Kasi ‘yung first round, siguro naman naka-adjust na kayo,” said Green Batters head coach Joseph Orillana.

“Kailangan ‘yung mga mali niyo nitong first round, eliminate na natin. Yun talaga ang target natin, ‘yung panalo magtuluy-tuloy para sa momentum natin.”

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The La Salle legend also underscored the significance of every game moving forward.

“Lahat ng teams dito may kanya-kanyang adjustments na. Pero ‘yung tiwala niyo dapat sa sarili niyo at sa team, at ‘yung effort — tulungan tayo — mananalo tayo. Kasi lahat ng team dito is a team-to-beat kasi agawan na ng pwesto sa second round. Kaya, again, tapang lang sa laro at ‘yung mental toughness lang kailangan namin,” he added.

The Green Batters had to showcase that resilience as they came from behind twice in the game, with UP seniors Ian Mercado and Kobe Torres making their presence felt on offense.

Mercado, the reigning MVP, crushed a triple in the fourth inning to record the game’s first run before scoring off an RBI single from Aaron Nicha, giving UP a 1-0 lead.

In the seventh, Torres — who also started on the mound for the Fighting Maroons — blasted Barry Oñas’ first pitch to deep left field, sending it over the ledge for a two-run home run. His shot brought home Daniel Badrina, who had reached first base following a fielding error by third baseman Liam De Vera, pushing UP ahead once more.

However, Nonaillada took control from there, striking out Emman Javier to end the seventh. He went on to record a no-hitter through the remainder of the game, retiring Razhley Santos and Torres in the eighth inning to keep La Salle within striking distance.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The loss marked UP’s second straight defeat, dropping them to 2-4 and fourth in the standings. It also spoiled solid two-for-four hitting performances from Mercado, Nicha, and Torres.

Matanguihan, meanwhile, suffered the loss after hitting Nonaillada with the game-ending pitch in the ninth inning.