Bulldogs outclass Eagles
HERALD Tenorio drove in his second homerun of the season and defending champion National University moved on the cusp of a first round sweep with a 13-6 decision over Ateneo in the UAAP baseball tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Bulldogs used an early barrage to remain perfect in four games and stretching their winning run to seventh straight dating win back to the second round of last season.
Earlier, Pio Villamiel came through in the clutch with a booming double, propelling La Salle to an 8-6 victory over University of Santo Tomas in extra innings.
“Siguro kasi ganoon naman talaga ‘yung laro ng baseball eh; siyam na innings ang lalaruin. So, kailangan every inning ready ka makipagbakbakan. As I said, all the teams now are improving every game. Kailangan naming maging handa, especially we have targets on our backs,” said NU coach Romar Landicho.
The Bulldogs shoot for a first-round sweep against the Green Batters, who remain in second with a 3-1 record, in the rematch of last year’s Finals on Wednesday.
Villamiel drilled a sharp grounder down the left foul line, sending Tuting Samuel and Liam De Vera home to give La Salle a 7-5 lead in the 10th inning. Johan Rentero, who came in as a pinch runner for Villamiel, added an insurance run.
“Ang sabi ko nga sa kanila, lalo na sa mga trainings namin, sa mga adjustments namin—mental toughness at ‘yung drive to win. Kasi minsan execution na lang ang kulang, pero the rest, nasa perfect timing kami. At least sa last part ng game, nagawa namin ‘yung gusto namin,” said Green Batters coach Joseph Orillana.
