AFTER A surprising 2-run loss against the University of the Philippines, the Ateneo Blue Batters returned with their own 2-run victory against defending champions National University (NU) on Sunday, February 3, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field. The Blue Batters currently have an 8-1 win-loss record, securing them the top spot for the season.

With both teams being strong contenders for the championship title this year, the level of play was intense. For five innings, the scoreboards remained empty, as both teams worked double time on defense. Ateneo struggled offensively as all their hits seemed to find their way straight into the gloves of NU.

Finally, at the bottom of the sixth inning, a 2-RBI single from rookie Leandro Banzon sent captain Gab Bagamasbad and Adriane Bernardo home, ending the five-inning long drought. In the eighth inning, Bernardo and Bagamasbad closed the inning with one more run each.

NU only managed to score two runs in the top of the ninth inning through batters MJ Gante and J. Tolosa.

Rookie Miguel Salud shone on the mound, working his arm the entire nine innings. Salud closed down the game with two runs, five hits, two earned runs, three walks and eight strikeouts.

The Blue and White will next face UST on Thursday, February 7 at 1:30 PM at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Updated February 4, 2013, 12:44 AM.