THE ATENEO Blue Eagles saw their three-peat championship streak end at the hands of longtime rivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 9-11, on Monday, March 14 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate.

Three runs in the first three innings from the Green Archers was quickly negated by an explosive six-run fourth inning from the Blue Eagles, highlighted by a standing triple by veteran outfielder Rapho Balagtas that scored graduating captain Dio Remollo and rookie third baseman Javi Macasaet. Another triple to left center field by rookie Marco Mallari scored Balagtas, while a looping single by designated hitter Kai Furusawa scored Mallari, giving the Ateneo a 6-3 lead.

However, DLSU continued to battle back, and eventually retook the lead for good at 9-11, courtesy of their own six-run barrage at the bottom of the seventh inning. The Blue and White’s relief pitchers Paulo Macasaet and Gino Tantuico continuously loaded the bases via hit-by-pitches, walks, and wild balls, allowing the Green Archers to score with ease.

Meanwhile, a Paolo Salud single to right that scored two was enough for Ateneo Baseball Program Head Randy Dizer to switch things up, putting in closer Nacho Lozano to face Carlos Muñoz with the bases loaded. The rookie showed poise in the face of adversity, forcing a rare 1-2-3 double play to end the nightmare inning for the blue batters.

The Ateneo had one more chance to regain the lead at the top of the eight inning. With one out, veteran right fielder Renzo Ramos drove the ball to right field for a double. A Remollo single and an Enzo Orbeta walk loaded the bases for J. Macasaet. However, the Green Archers got out of the jam when J. Macasaet hit a grounder, forcing the out at home. The next batter-second baseman Marquis Alindogan-struck out, ending the inning.

Thr Ateneo Blue Eagles finish runners-up in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 78 Baseball tournament, while the DLSU Green Archers win their first baseball championship since 2003, ending a 13-year drought.

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