MANILA, Philippines—Matt Laurel hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and defending champion Ateneo outlasted rival La Salle, 4-1, in a rematch of last season finals Sunday in the UAAP season 77 baseball tournament.
The two-time titlists wrapped up the first round with a flawless 5-0 card, but not before overcoming an early 1-0 lead by the Green Batters, who were able to neutralize their power game.
An RBI single by Carly Laurel put La Salle in the lead, 1-0, in the third inning, but Ateneo tied the game in the sixth courtesy of a Renzo Ramos’ single.
The Blue Eagles then took the upperhand for good after Ryon Tionloc capitalized on a throwing error by the Green Archers in the sixth inning.
Aside from Laurel, Ateneo also drew a scintillating performance from rookie pitcher Paulo Macasaet, who struck out 10 batters.
La Salle, on the other hand, finished with a 3-2 card.
In the other baseball match, University of the Philippines routed University of Santo Tomas, 11-4, to tie its victims in fourth place with 2-3.
In softball, meanwhile, five-peat seeking Adamson leaned on an explosive offensive display in the sixth inning to defeat National University, 13-3, and extend its historic winning run to 52 games.
After conceding three early runs to the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Falcons blasted 13 runs to put the game beyond reach and bag their four straight victory this season.
The victory gave Adamson the solo lead even as La Salle sent University of the East crashing with their first setback.
La Salle kept the second spot with a 4-1 card, while UE dropped to third spot with a 3-2 slate. UST, after blanking Ateneo 9-0, settled for fourth place.