RETURNING BACK to the show, the Ateneo Baseball Team (ABT) suffered a tough loss to the defending champion in the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 4-9, in their first outing of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88. The season opener was held earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the City of Manila.
This result sends the Blue Eagles back to 0-1 in the win-loss column of the UAAP Season 88 Baseball tournament.
Starting the game on the mound for the Blue Eagles was Lucas Atendido, eager to get the bout in motion. However, hardships presented themselves when Ateneo’s outfields were late on securing fly-balls, leading to NU punishing the defense by notching in runs. A flyout caught by Team Captain Bop Bernardo sought to stop the barrage, but the Blue and White found themselves in a 0-4 hole at the top of the first.
A dry offensive opening from the Blue Eagles was then balanced by a stronger defensive showing, with Ateneo garnering back-to-back outs in the top half of the second inning. The Blue Eagles’ problems with base-running crept back in the third inning, allowing NU’s Julius Cesar Soriano to round the diamond from long drives on the field that put the score at 0-5.
Ateneo gained some momentum at the bottom of the inning when Dax Fabella sent a bomb that nearly went outside the pitch, settling for a double. Despite reaching third base, Fabella’s opportunity to score was quickly dashed by three consecutive outs on the Blue and White’s side.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Katipunan-based squad managed to hold its own at the top of the fourth. Already attuned to the opposition’s aggressive play style, the Blue Eagles were able to outmaneuver the Bulldogs’ attempts to steal bases. Once the Blue and White found themselves at bat, Alfy Tueres batted in a run that sent Dale Prades back to home base for Ateneo’s first run of the game, 1-5.
The Blue and White sustained their defensive integrity, holding the Gold and Blue scoreless for two innings behind a visibly fatigued Atendido. However, their resolve gradually slipped, as fielding errors enabled NU to unload four runs over three innings, 1-9.
Determined to turn the tide, the Katipunan-based squad showed signs of life at the bottom of the ninth. Team Captain Joshua De Juras sparked Ateneo’s late push, driving a shot to left field that loaded the bases for the Blue Eagles. Rising to the occasion, Rafa Aquino contributed his share towards the offensive load by delivering a similar shot to bring Iñigo Bartolome home, 2-9.
Continuing to mount a comeback effort, Waji Magsadia’s emphatic swing left the Bulldogs unable to catch the ball, allowing him to bat in De Juras and Bernardo for the Blue Eagles’ fourth run of the game, 4-9. Next to step up to the plate was Mickey Osorio, who looked to further trim the deficit for Ateneo. However, his drive was swiftly caught by NU, sealing the strikeout and ending the game at 9-4 in favor of the Bulldogs.
The Blue and White will look to gain their bearings in their bout against the AdU Soaring Falcons on Sunday, March 1, at 2:00 PM in the same venue.
The Lines:
Ateneo (4): 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 – 4 8 5
NU (9): 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 – 9 12 0
Current Standings (W-L):
- NU Bulldogs (1-0)
- UST Golden Sox (0-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (0-0)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (0-0)
- DLSU Green Batters (0-0)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-1)
