Green Batters dethroned by NU, cap off S86 in second place
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Batters fell short of a comeback in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Baseball Finals against the National University (NU) Bulldogs with a final score of 2–4. This loss marks the end of the Season 86 campaign for both teams as the Bulldogs clinch the title of Champions, while La Salle dons the title of 1st Runner-Up.
The Green Batters were able to equalize the match in the fourth inning, however, their fielding errors spelled their defeat as it allowed NU to take the lead by a small margin with a couple of runs in the sixth frame.
Setting things off at the top of the first inning were Shinji Kajihara, Lord Aragorn De Vera, and Pio Villamel, who all were able to hit singles to put the Green Batters in prime position to strike first. The tables turned to the side of the Bulldogs shortly after as JR Samuel’s infield fly was immediately caught by NU’s 2nd Baseman John Olazo to convert a double play, sending the La Salle to field. Picking up where he left off in Game 1, De Vera was back to pitching duties, where he was able to pick up two outs early on. Next at-bat was Kenneth Maulit, who continued his hot streak from the tail end of his last match as he was able to score a 2-run single with bases loaded to allow the Bulldogs to strike first blood in the opening period, 0–2.
MJ Carolino was able to make short work of the Green Batters in the top of the second racking up three straight outs, which was immediately matched by De Vera’s very own trio of outs to conclude a quick second frame. In the third period, Patrick Rivera was able to reach second base after hitting a single and stealing one from the catchers, to which De Vera was able to send him home with an RBI to get La Salle on the board, 1–2. It was the De Vera show in the third inning as he made plays on both ends concluding the frame with pitches that denied the NU a chance to even make it to first base.
Marco Micael and JM Segui were able to put the Green Batters in scoring position to begin the fourth inning after a single and a walk respectively, to which Joseph Alcontin hit a line drive that flew past NU’s shortstop, resulting in an RBI to equalize the match, 2–2. The Bulldogs’ hopes of scoring in this period were once again cut short by De Vera, retiring the side in order once again. De Vera continued his exceptional play in the fifth after hitting a double however, Carolino’s quick reactions allowed him to catch a liner to send his squad at-bat. La Salle’s fielders continued to shine, catching a pair of fly balls along with yet another De Vera strikeout to retire the Bulldogs for the third straight inning.
The sixth division of play saw the boys in green scoreless with only a single hit coming from Segui. Meanwhile, a fielding error on the side of the Green Batters allowed Kevin Maulit to steal a base as well as enabled their pinch runner to find home plate, 2–3. A liner by Herald Tenorio on the tail end of the frame provided another run for NU, giving them a two-point advantage, 2–4. It was at that moment that De Vera was moved back to shortstop and Joshua Pineda was seen back on the pitching mound. After Rivera’s single at the top of the seventh, a pair of sacrifice bunts allowed him to run to third base however NU’s third baseman Cer Gio Gorpido was able to make a play to deliver La Salle their third out of the frame. Pineda, freshly subbed in, was able to deliver solid pitches that kept the score as-is heading into the final two innings.
Micael looked to spark a run for the Green Batters after hitting a single, and a walk was awarded to Segui after Carolino’s pitch grazed his elbow. Carolino was then subbed out for Amiel De Guzman who pitched for NU in the majority of the first game. His pitches proved effective for the Bulldogs racking up two outs before La Salle’s runners were able to steal second and third base. Rivera’s opportunity to score fell short as his fly ball landed right in the hands of NU’s Right Fielder. Pineda made quick work of the batting Bulldogs at the bottom of the eighth, denying any runs and giving his squad one last chance to make a comeback.
Hopes were high for the Green Batters at the top of the ninth as De Guzman’s first pitch hit Crisostomo’s elbow, resulting in a walk. Shortly after, a fielding error from NU’s second baseman as well as a sacrifice bunt from De Vera put the Taft-Based Squad in a prime position for a comeback with runners at second and third base.
With two outs in play, Samuel was put to the task of clutching up for the Green-and-White where he was struck out by De Guzman, signaling the end of the two-year reign of the Green Batters in the UAAP.
