National University snapped its two-game skid with a 7-2 stunner of University of the Philippines to even its record in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 Baseball tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.
The Bulldogs moved to momentary solo second place at 2-2, behind the 3-1 De La Salle University. University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University – both at 2-1 – have a game at hand as of press time.
Down 0-2 early in the game, the Bustillos-based side bounced back the next inning they had on offense.
They nabbed two runs before taking the lead in the third inning at 3-2.
NU catcher Kent Altarejos was given first base on four balls from UP starting pitcher Darren Mayo.
Then a fielder’s choice and a hit from first baseman Herald Tenorio put the 23-year-old catcher into scoring position.
Altarejos then crossed the plate for the third run to snag the lead for good after substitute pitcher Ram Matanguihan sent a wild pitch.
“Kasi if you consider the standings, parang first and second lang yung places. Kaya sinabi lang namin sa mga bata na mahaba pa ‘yung season, huwag silang mawawalan ng loob,” said head coach Romar Landicho.
The Bulldogs also had UAAP Season 81 Best Pitcher MJ Carolino to thank. The 25-year-old NU Nazareth School product shut the Fighting Maroons down and limited them to four hits the rest of the way in a no-relief job.
“Ang nangyari is nagkatulungan lang kami. Maganda pinukol ni MJ pero tinulungan rin siya ng defense. Sana magtuluy-tuloy hanggang second round,” the first-year Bulldogs mentor addded.
UP started on the right foot, scoring two runs on three hits with captain and centerfielder Ian Mercado leading the way.
An eventual implosion on defense, though, with nine miscues in the eight innings doomed the home side to back-to-back losses and a 1-3 slate.
The Lines:
NU 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 – 7 7 0
UP 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 2 7 9
