MANILA, Philippines - One team’s long-standing quest for a UAAP baseball title will finally end today as Ateneo and National University clash for the crown in a rubber match at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Blue Eagles, eyeing their maiden baseball diadem since joining the UAAP in 1978 and the Bulldogs, deadset on snapping a 46-year title drought, slug it out at 9 a.m. for the coveted trophy.
“Looking at the records, it’s pretty much even. But we’ve already shown we can beat them,” said NU coach Isaac Bacarisas in Filipino, referring to their 5-2 victory in Sunday’s Game 2 that forced today’s sudden death.
The Eagles jumped the gun on the Bulldogs in the best-of-three series, 11-4, pouncing on the absence of NU’s ace pitcher Aries Oruga who missed the opener due to a knee injury. Oruga made a triumphant return in the second game and led them to a series-tying triumph.
“I think momentum is on our side and the boys are all fired up,” said Bacarisas.
“We expect a terrific game and I think the team with the heart and desire prevail. I think the Bulldogs have both, “ said NU team manager Wopsy Zamora.
Oruga, who pitched an eight-hitter and surrendered only two runs in a no-relief job the last time out, is expected to start anew.
But AdMU coach Emerson Barandoc said his batters already have Oruga’s variety of pitches figured out.
“He (Oruga) already beat us twice (counting NU’s 5-2 win in the second round) but it would be a different game. We’ve already figured out how to hit him,” Barandoc said in Filipino.