Manila: Ateneo de Manila University edged University of Santo Tomas, 10-9, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men's baseball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. The Blue Eagles erupted for a seven-run fourth inning and held strong over the final five innings to improve their win-loss record to 2-2 for third place.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ateneo banked on Joaquin Mariano, Daniel Fabella, Anton Odulio, and Mariano to build a seven-run lead. Mariano capped the inning with his only hit of the game-a double to center field-that brought home Zane Prades, Odulio, and Angelo Bernardo.
"What our coaches really talked about was that we were having problems with the pitching rotation. Now, we really poured it in today, because we really needed a win. We really used our veterans, I mean, it was just the first inning, it was like the ninth inning. It was like we didn't have any relaxation," said head coach Pepe Jose.
On the mound, Joshua de Juras took over from Mikaelo Osorio, helping to keep the Golden Sox off the scoreboard for six innings. Osorio earned the win, allowing four earned runs on four hits while striking out six, while De Juras secured the save, giving up two earned runs on four hits.
"We just told the kids that we really need to train more and more; we really need to have time for training. Some are having a hard time because of school, but as long as we can, we will train in high school. For those who couldn't get there early, we focused on the afternoon," Jose said.
Ateneo will face the University of the Philippines in a rescheduled game on Sunday at 8 a.m., still at the Rizal Memorial venue. UST scored four runs across the third and fourth innings, highlighted by right fielder Mark Joseph Cabase, who collected both of his hits and drove in four RBIs during that stretch. But the Golden Sox went scoreless in the final four innings, closing the first round with a 1-4 win-loss slate.