DESPITE DOGGED determination at-bat, the Ateneo Men’s Baseball Team was outpaced by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Sox, 12-17, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Baseball Tournament. The fierce battle was held last night at the University of the Philippines Diliman Baseball Field in Quezon City.
UST came out of the gates thirsty for glory, tallying up seven runs in the top of the first inning. Harry Geronimo delivered the first runs for the España-based side, sending a sensational drive to right field for a three-run triple, 3-0. The Thomasian batters continued their domineering reign, eating up Atenean starter Gab Francisco’s pitches to extend their advantage to 7-0.
Nonetheless, the Blue and White side kept their valor, drawing two walks at the bottom of the first. Atenean skipper Enzo Montemayor scored a run from third, capitalizing on the Espana pitcher’s miscue on the mound, 1-7. With Matthew San Juan on third, Blue Eagle Javi Limpo delivered a solid grounder to send the first baseman to home plate for another run, 2-7.
Moving to the second and third innings, the UST side failed to emulate their previous at-bats, racking up strikeouts and flyouts against Francisco’s tough pitches. In the bottom of the third, Ethan Mitscheiner smashed in a rocketing line drive for a two runs batted-in (RBI) single, 4-7. The Blue Eagles kept pouring on the pressure as Geof Magsadia took advantage of a misthrow from UST’s catcher, stealing home plate from third base, 5-7.
In need of some insurance, the Golden Sox hitters struck the Blue Eagles in the fourth with Jesus Cabigao and Justine Rosales earning two more RBIs for their side, 11-5. However, the Katipunan-based unit answered back shortly after with a Pablo Capati line drive to send Montemayor and San Juan home, 7-11. Looking to further trim the UST deficit, Limpo and Magsadia both scored clutch RBI singles, 9-11.
Inching toward the draw, the Blue and White were eager to turn the ballgame into an even tighter affair in the 5-6-7 innings. Despite a Geronimo sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth, Atenean second baseman Limpo retorted with a stolen home plate in the bottom of the sixth, 10-12. In a testament to their defensive skill, both teams held their ground in the seventh inning to hold the scoreline at 10-12.
The contest’s offensive flow heightened anew as the Golden Sox flexed their prowess on the offensive line, seizing every opportunity to capitalize on their tactical maneuvers. Unleashing an unstoppable offensive onslaught, Timothy Caldo swung to center field to drive in teammate Mhigeil Cerda and extend UST’s lead to 13-10.
Despite their efforts, the Blue Eagles found themselves unable to hold off their adversaries’ assaults on the diamond. As the eighth inning drew to a close, the Golden Sox then continued to score additional runs throughout the frame, further solidifying their commanding position at 17-10.
In a last-ditch effort, Ateneo elevated their game in the ninth inning with a remarkable display of skill at bat and on the field. However, even with their commendable push for a miraculous comeback, their attempts proved to be insufficient in stemming the tide of the Golden Sox’s advances, resulting in a hard-fought battle ending at 12-17.
The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back against the Adamson Soaring Falcons this Sunday, March 10, at 3:00 PM in the same venue.
Innings scores:
UST-Ateneo: 7-2, 0-0, 0-3, 4-4, 1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 5-0, 0-2
Standings (W/L)
DLSU Green Batters (3-1)
UST Golden Sox (3-1)
ATENEO Blue Eagles (2-2)
NU Batters (2-2)
UP Fighting Maroons (1-3)
AdU Soaring Falcons (1-3)
