The DLSU Green Batters slipped past the UST Growling Tigers, 3-2, yesterday, February 25, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field.
Since their opening day loss to the NU Bulldogs, the team has been playing terrific baseball. Riding on a six-game winning streak highlighted by a win against the defending champions, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Green Batters continue to build on the momentum that they have built over the past couple of weeks.
In the early moments of the game, however, UST made sure their presence was felt. After a scoreless first inning, the Growling Tigers responded with the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Armed with an early lead, the Tigers looked to steal the victory from the surging Green Batters. However, La Salle had different ideas.
Following a leadoff double and a walk by Boo Barandiaran and Ignacio Escano, respectively, DLSU was able to tie the game after consecutive wild pitches. After a Tuwi Park double, Gabriel Pineda hit a sacrifice fly that brought Escano home from third base to give DLSU their first lead, 2-1. A walk to catcher Paul Naguit was enough to warrant a pitching change from UST. While AJ Francisco subsequently hit a pop-up for the second out, Franco Hashimoto was able to drive in Park with an RBI single that extended the lead to 3-1. The Tigers were able to escape from further trouble after forcing Pao Salud to hit an inning-ending groundball.
Both teams then struggled offensively over the next three innings. For DLSU, starter Kiko Gesmundo was able to strike out seven batters during that span. On the other hand, a myriad of UST pitchers kept the Green Batters on their toes.
The Tigers, however, finally showed some life in the seventh inning. Designated hitter Mercado was hit by a Gesmundo pitch to put the tying run at-bat for UST. After he was able to steal second base, Daquis drove him in with a bullet single to right field. While the next batter Diaz was unable to bring home his teammate, the slim lead left La Salle with no room for error.
DLSU tried to answer back in the next inning by sending in two pinch-hitters, Carlos Munoz and Josh Salinas. While both of them reached base, neither was able to score as the Espana-based squad continued to hold their ground.
In the ninth inning, rookie Arvin Herrera was tasked with closing the door on a UST comeback. Following a Gonzales fly-out, UST’s Aligno worked his way into a full count. The rookie, however, was able to strike him out with a great fastball for the second out. Up next was Mercado, who again represented the Growling Tigers’ final hope. While he gave the ball a jolt to center field, Salud was able to dive and make an excellent catch to secure the win for DLSU.
Gesmundo pitched a terrific game, going seven innings and giving up just two earned runs. Herrera, who pitched the final two innings, was just as stellar in his relief as well. The offense was kept off balance throughout the game, but DLSU was able to scrap for three runs in the fourth inning, a crucial stretch that proved to be just enough for the win.
DLSU resumes action on Sunday, February 28, when they take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons at 1 pm in the same venue.
