Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ron Dela Cruz is just in his second year with University of Santo Tomas, but the Golden Sox’ pitcher is happily at ease in pressure-packed scenarios.
Though UST lost in Game 2 of the Season 79 baseball finals, 14-12, against Ateneo, Dela Cruz was the unquestioned leader during the Golden Sox’ failed comeback.
“I am extremely happy because they put that much trust in me,” said Dela Cruz, who pitched from the fifth all the way to 11th inning.
READ: Ateneo regains UAAP baseball crown after thriller over UST
Ateneo had a 9-3 lead at the top of the sixth inning but Dela Cruz, the team’s relieving pitcher, slowly got his rhythm and willed his team to an 11-11 tie at the bottom of the ninth.
Dela Cruz was the anchor of UST’s defense up until he lost steam in the bottom of the 12th.
“I just pushed myself despite the fatigue because my teammates said I’m their only hope and as the pitcher I was the one who can carry them,” said Dela Cruz.
The young pitcher added the run they gave them the confidence they needed against the Blue Eagles, who won four titles in six years, but Ateneo’s experience proved too much to handle.
“We got confident, and we were confident we could win and we were doing everything we can to score, to catch up and score in the final inning,” said Dela Cruz.