In the first match of the best of three finals series, the DLSU Green Batters escaped a grind out affair, as they edged the ADMU Blue Eagles, 9-7, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Diamond.
After the game, team captain Ignacio Escaño was asked to share his thoughts on his team’s performance. “It was good. Our offense woke up a little too late, but we played with heart. We got a big lead, and then it became close. But what’s more important is that we never gave up. Even when they were gaining momentum, we never let it get to us. We always felt confident, and we knew we could pull out this win,” he elaborated.
High octane offense by the team from Taft gave them a comfortable lead throughout the game. However, Ateneo did not go down without a fight, as they continued to pressure La Salle’s defense.
In the first inning of the match, the Green Batters took a one-run advantage, courtesy of Escaño’s RBI single to bring home the leadoff hitter Paolo Salud. The Blue Eagles nearly leveled the match during the third inning as Miguel Habana led off the inning with a double, and then advanced to third on the throw. Ateneo’s third base coach waved Habana home, as Rosas was unable to block the pitch. However, Rosas quickly recovered to throw Habana out at home.
In the succeeding inning, the Blue Eagles loaded the bases, putting pressure on La Salle’s pitcher Luis Miñana. However, he was able to keep his composure as a fielder’s choice got the Green-and-White it’s first out. Blue Eagle Martin Tan then popped out to foul territory, followed by Lean Ramos, who struck out swinging.
The Green Batters’ offense came alive in the sixth inning as they tallied four runs. This was highlighted by their show of discipline at the plate, as they forced the substitute pitcher Miggy Angeles to walk two consecutive batters with the bases loaded.
In the seventh inning, the team from Katipunan cut La Salle’s lead down to three, scoring two runs, courtesy of RBIs from Javi Macasaet and Gino Tantuico.
DLSU went on to score four more runs in the eighth inning, which gave them a seven-run advantage. Their offensive output was highlighted by Escaño’s three-run home run, which shifted the momentum back to the side from Taft.
In the ninth inning, the Blue Eagles almost completed a clutch comeback, as they cut the deficit down to two runs, courtesy of G. Tantuico’s grand slam. However, the closer Arvin Herrera got La Salle the last two outs, which allowed them to come away with the win.
Throughout the game, numerous players from La Salle experienced cramps, including Miñana, who had to exit the game. “The heat was crazy. Next game, since we know the conditions, we’ll be more prepared and hydrate more, so this won’t happen again,” shared Escaño.
Game 2 is scheduled on Tuesday, April 2, at 12pm at the same venue. If necessary, Game 3 will be played on Friday, April 5, at the same time and venue.
