MANILA – National University kept its title hopes alive after overpowering De La Salle University, 9-3, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 baseball finals on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate.
With the victory, the Bulldogs forced a winner-take-all Game 3 scheduled on April 21 at the same venue, where they will chase a third straight championship while La Salle looks to reclaim the crown.
NU broke the game open with a key five-run rally in the middle innings, taking advantage of timely hits and defensive lapses by La Salle to build a commanding 8-1 advantage.
The Green Batters, who won Game 1, briefly responded with a run in the fifth inning, but NU immediately countered with three more runs in the sixth to secure control of the contest.
Gio Gorpido delivered a crucial two-RBI hit during the decisive stretch, while Kevin Maulit added two hits and three RBIs to lead NU’s offense, which produced 11 total hits—far better than their Game 1 output.
La Salle managed only four hits as NU ace Hilario Espina III turned in a strong complete-game performance, allowing just two earned runs while striking out three.
NU coach Romar Landicho credited adjustments in hitting and team preparation after their Game 1 loss, saying the focus was on improving offensive execution.
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