The odds seem to be in favor of Ateneo this 74th UAAP Baseball season. The Blue Batters defeated last season’s 5th placers, UP Diliman, on January 19 after only five innings. The game ended with the score of 14-3. This gives the Blue Batters a 3-0 win-loss record on their second week of the season.

Strong starts seemed to be the trend with the blue and white jerseys on the playing field. In just the first inning, the team scored six runs, leaving their opponent pointless.

Sophomore Andy Tan was on the mound pitching until the fourth inning, aided by rookie Dio Remollo behind the plate. Field veteran Kevin Ramos replaced Tan by the fifth inning. Also joining the Batters this season is Blue Eagle Kirk Long, who, in the bottom of the third inning, defended the left field.

The Batters continued to deliver, as sluggers Kevin Ramos and Matt Laurel scored two more runs in the second inning. During the third, batters Adriane Bernardo, Charles Catangui, Ramos, and Laurel scored once again, upping the score to 12 with UP still pointless.

By the fifth and last inning, team Captain Matt Reyes and sophomore Adriane Bernardo scored two more runs. Although UP managed to earn three runs in the same inning, the 11-run deficit gave way to the mercy rule, ending the match in favor of Ateneo.

Game standouts were Kevin Ramos, Adriane Bernardo, and Matt Laurel, who each scored three runs. Recognition is also due Tan for superb pitching.

The prospects of the Blue Batters are looking very bright this season. Coach Emer Barandoc reveals their battle plan: “One game at a time lang.”

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