By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Defending champion National University bounced back in Game 2 of the UAAP Season baseball finals, beating De La Salle University, 9-3, Friday at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Bulldogs unleashed a decisive five-run surge in the middle innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and costly miscues by the Green Batters to build an 8-1 cushion which they never relinquished.
The deciding Game 3 is set April 21 at 8 a.m. at the same Malate venue, with NU aiming for a third straight crown and La Salle seeking a seventh title.
La Salle scored a 2-1 victory in Tuesday’s Game 1.
“We first accepted that we really lost because La Salle played so well, especially their pitcher, Liam De Vera. We first accepted that there was still something missing. That’s where, so to speak, we started making adjustments for the team in preparation for Game 2,” NU coach Romar Landicho said.
Holding a three-run lead entering the fifth inning, NU ignited its pivotal rally when Jherick Timban opened with a lead-off single to left field.
After two routine outs left Timban stranded at second, back-to-back walks issued by reliever Peter Nonaillada loaded the bases for Gio Gorpido.
The senior third baseman delivered with a deep drive to center field, bringing home Timban and Kiel Olazo.
La Salle scored one run in the bottom half of the inning, but NU countered with three more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
Aaron Detoito sparked the inning with another lead-off single, this time off Marco Tantuico, setting the tone for the Bulldogs’ biggest offensive frame.
Kevin Maulit followed it up with a clutch hit to the same area, driving in both Detoito and Timban. Maulit later scored on a fielding error by the Green Batters’ De Vera.
The Bulldogs’ offense proved to be the difference. They made 11 hits, highlighted by Maulit’s two hits and three RBIs, and Gorpido’s two RBIs off his lone hit, compared to only four in Game 1.
“No. 1 thing we fixed was our hitting, since we only scored one from the last game. That’s what we focused on,” Landicho said.
NU’s ace pitcher Hilario Espina III delivered a complete game, limiting La Salle to just two earned runs on four hits while striking out three. (PNA)
