Salvador walk-off hit lifts UE past La Salle

Second-year slugger Imee Salvador pulled off a big-time hit to score Elvie Senangote for the winning run, and rescued a win for the University of the East Lady Warriors over De La Salle University Lady Green Batters, 4-3, Monday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

It was a slow start for the Lady Warriors, however, as they surrendered three runs in the first inning. Starting pitcher Jonavie Jerezano gave up three walks to the Lady Green Batters, which led to three runs for the latter. With bases loaded, senior Kriztel Gomez blasted a single to the right field to score Mary Joy Son and Vanessa Borbon, who got to first via the free pass. Jamica Arribas added another run to put her team in the lead 3-0.

UE then regrouped on their side of the first inning. Charlene Quintos and Salvador reached first on four balls. With Jerezano at the plate, Quintos scored off a passed ball to cut the deficit to two, 1-3.

“Nung first inning yung pitcher (Jerezano) namin nagaadjust pa siya. I’m still confident na maganda naman yung pitching niya, and we can adjust,” UE Head Coach Edcel Bacarisas shared.

After both defenses held their ground in the second, the Lady Warriors tied the game. Junaiza Jaspe started off the comeback trail with a single to La Salle right fielder Arribas. Jaspe then advanced to scoring position after stealing bases, before a catching error by Arribas led to UE’s second run. Salvador, who had reached second base from that same error, then levelled the match after another miscue from the Taft-based batters.

La Salle then tried to regain the upper hand and were rewarded at the sixth inning. Gomez again jump-started the Green and White with a single to the center field, before Patricia Belarmino stepped up to the plate. In the following play, UE relief pitcher Lovely Redaja made a very costly throwing error and Gomez crossed home to reclaim the lead, 4-3.

Sensing urgency to score, the Lady Warriors mounted another comeback at the bottom of the sixth inning. The Lady Green Batters succumbed to the pressure and made more critical errors, making it easier for the opponent to get back in the game. Salvador then tied the match once more off another hit.

In the top of the sixth inning, UE consolidated their work on offense with defense as they held La Salle to zero. Three Lady Green Batters were dismissed by the UE defense on three easy outs, setting up a chance for the latter to take the victory.

Senangote and Collado got prime scoring estate, before Roxzell Niloban was given an intentional walk to load the bases. With runners on every corner, top scorer Salvador returned the favor and sent the ball to deep right field for the winning hit, and Senangote’s winning run.

Bacarisas credited the victory to his team’s hitting and will to win. He said, “Kasi last Saturday (against UST), yung mga palo naming tapat. Ngayon naka-adjust na yung mga bata, naka-adjust na yung mga palo nila. Gusto rin nga mga bata na manalo.”

The Lady Red Warriors will face the strong National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, at 9am. When asked to comment on this game, Bacarisas said, “Sa next game naming (against) NU, alam naman naming malakas ang NU, kaya hopefully will give them a good fight.”

On the other hand, DLSU will take on the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles on Saturday, also at 9am, after taking one matchday break.