MANILA – In a tense UAAP Season 88 men’s baseball showdown, Ateneo de Manila University narrowly defeated the University of Santo Tomas, 10-9, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The Blue Eagles turned the game around with a decisive seven-run rally in the fourth inning and held off the Golden Sox through the remaining five innings, improving their record to 2–2 and securing third place in the standings.
Key hitters Joaquin Mariano, Daniel Fabella, and Anton Odulio fueled the surge, with Mariano delivering a crucial double to center field that brought in Zane Prades, Odulio, and Angelo Bernardo.
“Our pitching had been inconsistent, but the team really stepped up today,” said head coach Pepe Jose. “We relied on our veteran players and stayed sharp from start to finish—every inning mattered.”
Mikaelo Osorio started on the mound, giving up four earned runs while striking out six to earn the win. Joshua de Juras came in as relief and recorded the save, allowing two earned runs over six innings of solid pitching.
Jose highlighted the team’s dedication despite school commitments: “Training time is precious, so we make every session count. Some players come in late due to classes, so we adjust by focusing on afternoon practices.”
Ateneo will next face the University of the Philippines in a rescheduled game on Sunday at 8 a.m., also at the Rizal Memorial venue.
For UST, right fielder Mark Joseph Cabase delivered a strong performance with two hits and four RBIs during the third and fourth innings. However, the Golden Sox could not score in the final four innings, finishing the first round with a 1–4 record.
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