The DLSU Green Batters succumbed to the two-time defending champions NU Bulldogs, 14-4, in an eight-inning mercy rule defeat earlier today, March 11, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Tuting Samuel showcased his two-way skills, pitching 4.2 innings while also leading the team with three hits, including two doubles.
Staying in the game
The Green Batters would be put to the test against NU’s reputation as an offensive juggernaut. The Bulldogs took the lead in the top of the first after two walks and a failure to turn a double play led to the first run. La Salle would respond immediately as an infield single by Samuel and a ground rule RBI double from Liam De Vera leveled the playing field at 1-all.
However, NU took control of the game at the top of the second as Samuel gave up two walks that proved to be fatal when Kiel Olazo struck an RBI single. Kenneth Maulit would add a two-RBI double, giving the defending champions a 4-1 lead, putting DLSU at an early disadvantage.
In the bottom of the third, Samuel’s double to left field and Pio Villamiel’s single set the stage for Jose Tantuico’s sacrifice fly that cut the deficit to 4-2. On the pitching side, Samuel threw two consecutive scoreless innings to keep the game close.
Falling behind
In the top of the fifth, NU’s bats roared to life while Samuel’s pitch command wavered. After loading the bases with two outs, RBI singles from Olazo and Jherick Timban opened up a 7-2 advantage. Peter Nonaillada came in relief with the bases loaded, and although a wild pitch walked in another run, the veteran pitcher was able to retire the side.
La Salle was able to salvage a run in the bottom of the fifth after pinch-hitter Yuan Sumague hit a single and Samuel hit an RBI double. Following this, Bulldogs relief pitcher Hilario Espina III threw a wild pitch that allowed Samuel to come home, bringing the score to 8-4.
This would be as close as the Green Batters would get as the defending champions would take charge, flexing their offensive might in the remaining innings. In the top of the sixth, NU catcher Charles Chua brought home a run with a double. The following inning, Nonaillada allowed consecutive RBI singles from Julius Soriano and Gio Gorpido as NU took a commanding 11-4 lead.
With Dustin Guong on the mound, the Bulldogs capped off their dominant display with a two-RBI double from Maulit and an added run from a wild pitch to end the game in an eight-inning mercy rule victory, 14-4, over the Green Batters.
With the defeat, the Green Batters ended Round 1 with a 3-2 record, currently having sole possession of second place. However, other teams’ rescheduled games on Sunday could still shake up the tournament standings.
