GAME 1 of the best-of-three championship series of the UAAP Baseball Season 75 belonged to the Ateneo Blue Batters, after they edged defending champions National University (NU) 6-2, on Friday, February 15 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The boards remained scoreless until the top of the fifth inning when NU batter Marcial Gante was ran home after Ateneo committed several errors. Herxel Fortunato was also able to give NU their next and last run at the top of sixth to make their lead 2-0.

In the bottom of the sixth, Ateneo was finally able to earn runs, which were sparked by Matt Laurel’s double. Veteran Bocc Bernardo followed up with a single that helped Laurel to advance to third. Rookie Rapho Balagtas was sent in to pinch run for Bernardo.

Meanwhile, slugger Dio Remollo also hit a single, making all bases loaded with Ateneo runners. Kevin Ramos then hit a sacrificial fly ball, sending Laurel homeand finally putting Ateneo on board, 2-1. Powerful rookie Ryon Tionloc then followed, hitting an explosive 2 RBI (runs batted in)triple, upping Ateneo’s score and taking the lead away from NU, 3-2.

Laurel scored his second home run for the season in the bottom of the 7th inning extending Ateneo’s lead to 4-2.

Ateneo notched more runs in the bottom of the 8th inning through batters Tionloc and Remollo, sealing the game at 6-2 in favor of the Blue and White.

Ateneo pitcher Miguel Salud showed incredible pitching on the mound. After pitching the full nine innings, Salud had 2 runs on seven hits, two walks and sixstrikeouts. Batchmate Tionloc also played a pertinent role in the game, a double, a triple, and two RBI’s. The two rookies debuting in their first UAAP finals game showed impressive game performance.

Ateneo will seek to sweep NU and claim the title on Tuesday, February 19, 12:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.