UAAP: Green Batters drop tournament opener to NU

The DLSU Green Batters lost to the NU Bulldogs, 8-7, yesterday, February 4, in the opening game of their UAAP Season 78 campaign at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field. It was a disappointing start for a team that expects big things out of this season, one that even saw them hold a huge lead entering the last few innings of the game.

After a quiet first inning, NU came out firing in the second, highlighted by a Tenorio double that brought home De Guzman and Diarao. After a collision at home plate, a rumble ensued, with DLSU’s Naguit and NU’s Santos in the middle of it all. Both teams were called to the field before the start of the next inning to talk things over.

With the bases loaded in the third inning, Boo Barandiaran was hit by a pitch that allowed DLSU to cut the lead to one, 2-1. After a walk that forced in another run to tie the game, Carlos Muñoz hit a thunderous ground rule double to dead center field that allowed two runners to score, giving DLSU a 4-2 lead. Rookie infielder Josh Salinas then walked to extend the La Salle lead to three, 5-2.

Going into the eighth inning, the Green Batters seemed to hold a sizable margin over their opponents, 7-3. NU, however, was able to respond, scoring four runs and thus tying the game at seven, with two errors by Salinas also helping the Bulldogs’ cause.

In the ninth inning, both teams had their respective chances to win the game. With the bases loaded and two outs, NU’s Santos had the chance to drive in the go-ahead run. Luckily for La Salle, Muñoz was able to strike him out. In the bottom of the inning, DLSU had a runner on first and second with just one out. The team then decided to pinch-hit two rookies, Ignacio Escano and Arvin Herrera. However, both were struck out and the game went into extra innings.

In the 10^th, a huge single to center field brought home NU’s Nalit Jr. and gave them the lead, at 8-7. Diarao then pitched the bottom-half of the inning and closed out DLSU.

The match was an instant classic, with the four-hour long game giving NU a statement win over last season’s runners-up. DLSU now has to make the necessary adjustments and respond well to this defeat as they take the field again on Sunday, February 7, for a game against the UP Fighting Maroons at 1 pm, still at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field.