Sports UAAP Season 86

Ateneo asserts mastery over NU, takes first win of second round

By
Published March 15, 2024 at 11:47 am
Photo courtesy of UAAP Media Team

AFTER TIGHT fixtures for the Ateneo Baseball Team (ABT) in their previous two outings, the Blue Eagles finally pulled through with a close victory to complete their elimination round sweep of the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 5-4. The match was held last night at the UP Diliman Baseball Field in Quezon City.

With today’s result, the Blue and White improved to a 3-3 record and soared to third place in the current University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 standings.

Following two runless innings from both sides to open the contest, the Blue Eagles pounced in the bottom of the third with a spectacular showing to get on the board.

Enzo Montemayor and Geoff Magsadia opened the scoring in the third frame, both stealing home off an error, 2-0. Joining the party, a run batted-in (RBI) hit by Matthew San Juan added to the impressive 3-0 inning for Ateneo.

The succeeding frames were reminiscent of the opening innings, with neither side giving in to their excellent pitching display, which was led by Joshua De Juras on the side of the Blue Eagles.

However, the Bulldogs finally stepped up in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring three runs courtesy of left fielder Jherick Timban, second baseman John Kiel Olazo, and first baseman Herald Tenorio.

Although Pablo Capati’s grounder at the bottom of the sixth gave the Blue Eagles a run, Ateneo’s lead was trimmed to just one by the conclusion of the seventh inning, 4-3.

Following the sudden outburst by NU, another run from catcher Kent Altajeros at the top of the eighth was still not enough to deter the Blue and White. As the match tied at four, the Blue Eagles responded with an RBI by Joaquin Mendoza, resulting in Zeke Laygo scoring for the Blue and White at the bottom of the eighth, returning their cushion to one, 5-4.

With Ateneo keeping the Bulldogs at bay at the top of the ninth, the Blue Eagles managed to escape with a tight 5-4 victory to begin their second-round campaign.

The Blue and White hope to build on this momentum as they face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sunday, March 17, at 3:00 PM at the same venue.

Inning Scores:

NU: 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 – 4

Ateneo: 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 x – 5

Current Standings (W-L):

  1. UST Golden Sox (4-2)
  2. DLSU Green Batters (4-2)
  3. ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-3)
  4. NU Bulldogs (3-3)
  5. UP Fighting Maroons (2-4)
  6. AdU Soaring Falcons (2-4)

How do you feel about the article?

Leave a comment below about the article. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *.

Related Articles


Sports

January 31, 2025

Ateneo Women’s Football Team secures crown following stellar JAM Futsal campaign

Sports

January 31, 2025

Blue Eagles stay flawless on Day 3 of JAM, advances to Finals in all events

Sports

January 31, 2025

Blue Eagles clinch 3x3 Women’s Basketball JAM title

From Other Staffs


News

January 31, 2025

Ateneo administration eyes campus upgrades in proposed AY 2025–2026 budget

SciTech

January 30, 2025

Ateneo Business Resource Center advances sustainable design thinking through “Blueprint Project”

Features

December 20, 2024

Home away from home: Christmas in temporary PLHIV shelters

Tell us what you think!

Have any questions, clarifications, or comments? Send us a message through the form below.