NATIONAL University edged closer to a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Baseball Tournament, fending off the University of Santo Tomas, 3–1, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Bulldogs remained unbeaten after four games and held sole possession of first place, but it took just one multiple-run inning to overcome the Golden Sox in this tournament, which is held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.
NU capitalized on UST’s miscues to put runners on base, with Kiel Olazo and Jherick Timban setting up two runs in the sixth inning.
An error by Golden Sox right fielder Marvin Trillana loaded the bases, and two more pitching mistakes from Eljin Mendoza allowed the two runs to score, giving NU the decisive lead.
Those two runs proved crucial, ultimately deciding the outcome in NU’s favor.
Head coach Romar Landicho praised the three-peat-seeking Bulldogs for how they handled the game, as they aim to sweep the round against their two-time Finals rivals, the De La Salle Green Batters.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Kapag UST talaga ng kalaban, nahihirapan kami. Ewan ko ba kung anong meron na lahat ng players nila gumagaling. Advantage naman ‘yon sa both teams kasi talagang binibigay namin ‘yung 100 percent para makuha ‘yung panalo,” said the champion coach.
No Bulldog had more than one hit, with Gio Gorpido recording the lone scoring hit in the first inning — the only other time the defending champions managed to score.
Hilario Espina III continued his strong form from the win against Adamson University, allowing just the solitary run from UST in the top of the sixth inning, before Amiel De Guzman closed out the game.
The Bulldogs needed to respond immediately in the bottom of the sixth inning after the Golden Sox broke the deadlock with a run.
Cedrick Marquez, who had been hitting consistently all game long, was finally rewarded when his double set up a run. Prince Harry Geronimo then singled down the left-field line, sending Marquez home for the equalizer.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
That would be UST’s only offense, as De Guzman anchored NU’s defense to secure the victory.
Marquez finished with three hits, while Geronimo contributed a hit and an RBI. Despite strong pitching from Ivan Llave and Mendoza, NU’s offense ultimately carried the day.
The Golden Sox will face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in Wednesday’s first game at 7 a.m.
Meanwhile, the scheduled third game between the University of the Philippines and Ateneo was postponed due to an unplayable field.
The rescheduled date and time for the Battle of Katipunan will be announced after the final day of eliminations on Wednesday.
| TEAMS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UST | 1 | 1 | 10 | 3 | ||||||||
| NU | 1 | 2 | x | 3 | 6 |
