Ateneo downs La Salle, nears UAAP baseball crown

Carl Laurel of Dela Salle tag Felos Claudio Remollo of Ateneo as he return from the 1st base(out) during the UAAP Baseball finals on Thursday. Contributed Photo/Roy Domingo

MANILA, Philippines— Ateneo moved closer to a three-peat after a 7-3 win over De La Salle Thursday in the UAAP Season 77 baseball championship series at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Former MVP Matt Laurel belted a two-run single in the fourth inning to give the Blue Eagles a 4-3 lead.

Ateneo then put some separation in the sixth inning, taking a 6-3 advantage after Dio Remollo scored a two-run single.

Finally getting back into winning form, the Eagles can annex their third consecutive title with another victory in Game 2 slated Thursday at the Rizal ballpark.

“Our three straight losses served as a wake up call for us. We were able to adjust and I think we have a flawless game on defense,” said Ateneo coach Randy Dizer.

“As much as possible, we want to get Game 2, we don’t want Game 3. They (Green Batters) have dominating pitchers too,” he added.

La Salle’s pitching was impressive in the opener, as rookie Boo Barandiaran struck out six batters while Carlos Munoz had three strike outs.

Not to be outdone are the Eagles, as rookie pitcher Paulo Macasaet had two strike outs in one and two-third innings after replacing reigning MVP Andy Tan, who pitched the first seven and one-third innings.

Ateneo opened the season with seven straight wins before faltering late in the eliminations, allowing La Salle to tie the Blue Eagles in first place at 7-3.

Aside from his two RBIs, Matt Laurel also earned two walks for the Eagles.