MANILA – De La Salle University edged defending champion National University, 2-1, to seize Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 baseball Finals on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate.
The victory puts the Green Batters on the brink of reclaiming the crown, needing just one more win to secure the title they last held in Season 85.
After struggling against NU in the elimination round and previous Finals matchups, La Salle finally broke through behind a disciplined defensive effort and a standout performance from Liam de Vera.
De Vera delivered a complete-game gem, limiting the Bulldogs to just four hits while striking out seven. He kept NU scoreless for most of the contest, with the lone run coming off a defensive miscue late in the game.
La Salle struck early, with Marco Tantuico driving in the opening run after de Vera reached base and advanced on a wild pitch. The Taft-based squad doubled its advantage in the third inning, as Barry Oñas sparked a rally that ended with de Vera contributing an RBI double.
Head coach Joseph Orillana credited the team’s defensive focus and trust in one another as key factors in the breakthrough win.
NU attempted to mount a comeback in the closing innings and managed to cut the deficit in the eighth, capitalizing on an error. However, de Vera held firm to preserve the victory.
National team standout Amiel de Guzman also pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs but absorbed the loss despite a solid outing.
Game 2 is set on Friday at the same venue, where La Salle will try to close out the series.
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