By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University won its third consecutive title following a walk-off 7-6 victory over De La Salle University in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 baseball finals Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Graduating senior Kevin Maulit scored the winning run as NU became the first team to achieve a three-peat since Ateneo de Manila University in Season 77 (2015).
Adamson University settled for third place.
“This is the sweetest win among the three. This is what we worked hard for. La Salle also showed great performance in the match so it’s really nice to win these kinds of opportunities,” coach Romar Landicho said after the match.
After a 1-2 loss in Game 1, the Bulldogs fought back to win Game 2 (9-3).
“Game 1 was really a learning experience for us. That really taught us not to give up. In Game 3, the same situations happened, so that’s where we took the courage [from],” Landicho said.
In Game 3, La Salle took a 3-0 lead before a solo home run from Julius Cesar Soriano sparked NU’s comeback in the middle innings.
The Bulldogs had three runs in the seventh inning to seize the lead and Charles Chua sparked the rally with a leadoff single. Aaron Detoito then delivered a deep fly ball to center field that brought home Chua and Gio Gorpido for the tying runs.
After Bryan Lagumbay was caught advancing home on a passed ball, Detoito came through again, driving in the go-ahead run with a hit that brought Maulit home.
Maulit returned the favor in the ninth inning, reaching first base with a hit to the left side. Soriano flew out to left field, but Maulit advanced to second base.
With a walk issued to Kiel Olazo, eventual finals Most Valuable Player Chua seized his moment.
On the very first pitch from Liam De Vera, the third-year catcher sent the ball deep into left field once more, and for the final time this season, Maulit scored the winning run.
Maulit paced the Bulldogs’ offense with three hits, one RBI, and the winning run. Chua added two hits and two RBIs, including the walk-off single, while Detoito finished with a two-run hit in the seventh.
Eventual Best Pitcher Hilario Espina III (2.105 ERA) limited La Salle to two earned runs on six hits over his stint, after taking over the mound from Amiel De Guzman in the third inning.
La Salle’s Tuting Samuel was named Best Hitter (.476 BA) and Best Slugger (.906 SA), while teammate Ezy Bautista got the Most Stolen Bases award (8).
Ateneo’s Luis Gabriel Magsadia took the Most RBIs award with 16, and teammate Zane Prades earned the Rookie of the Year honors. (PNA)
