Falcon batters force three-way tie for first after escape over reigning champs

Date Posted: April 11, 2023 at 11:20 AM


Photo: UAAP Media Team

Defense proved to be the main weapon for the Falcon batters as they avenged their first-round defeat, escaping reigning champs De La Salle University, 6-5, in the UAAP 85 Baseball tournament, April 2, at the UP Diliman Baseball Field. 

With the victory, Adamson improved their record to 5-2 and created a three-way logjam for the top spot with La Salle and University of the Philippines. 

Leading by just two runs heading into the top of the ninth inning at 6-4, the Soaring Falcons shook off a walk surrendered to La Salle right fielder Pio Villamiel and his eventual run off a hit from shortstop Julius Diaz to close the three-hour-long game. 

Two straight putouts from Adamson third baseman Aaron Mercado, one from a play off the foul flyball from centerfielder Shinji Kajihara and an assisted grounder from left-fielder John Mhark Segui, ended the game and the Green Batters’ winning streak at five. 

Head Coach Orlando Binarao, though, still asked for consistency from its wards despite the second straight win. 

"Actually, hindi pa rin satisfied. Although nanalo, gusto ko sana yung clean win ba. Yung ganung klaseng ano, nakaka-high blood, nakaka-tense," he said. 

Mercado also helped the cudgels on offense with one hit and scoring two runs, but it was relief pitcher John Matanguihan who paced the Soaring Falcons with two hits and one run and drove in both runs from centerfielder Castillo. 

Matanguihan eventually finished what captain and starting pitcher Andrei Medrana started and limited La Salle to three runs and three hits. 

Reports from UAAP Media Team