From UAAP Media Team

By Maxine Agno

The Ateneo Juniors’ Baseball Team returned to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) field after the sport’s six-year hiatus in the league. The Blue Eagles delivered an offensive performance but were edged out in a 12–13 loss to guest team PAREF Southridge at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, January 7.

Mental Game Tested on the Diamond

“It’s really the mental game that we have to prepare for,” team co-captain Lorenzo De Guzman shared. “I told the team that it’s them versus themselves once they step on the field. Everyone should know their role, and there’s no need to do anything extra. We just have to play smart and stick to the basics.”

“It’s really important to set the tone especially in our UAAP debut,” De Guzman noted. 

The pitcher added, “Expectations are high for our team since we always have a podium finish in the high school baseball division.”

The team was masked by their experience in international and national tournaments, which De Guzman said keeps them “on par with the other teams.” This experience was critical in navigating the severe swings in momentum.

After the Admirals surged to a commanding 10–2 lead by the fourth inning, the Blue Eagles demonstrated the offensive work they put in during the break.

In the top of the fifth inning, Ateneo forced Southridge ace Joaquin Salvador to face 14 batters, capitalizing on the opportunity to score 10 runs and seize a 12–10 lead.

De Guzman emphasized that this ability to reset is crucial, stating, “One of the main things the team has learned from past tournaments is that baseball is a sport where momentum can change at any point in the game.”

Heartbreak at the End

Despite strong relief pitching from Rafael Blaza, who allowed just two earned runs and added three hits offensively over six innings, the game came down to the final frame.

Holding a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Eagles were two outs away from victory.

However, with JC Basañes at second, Ateneo head coach Pepe Jose intentionally walked Joaquin Salvador to set up a force play. 

Southridge’s Matt Genota then hit a ground ball to first baseman Tommy Oblea, but the subsequent fumble allowed Basañes to score and tie the game. On the very next pitch, Admiral Luis Chavez singled to right field, bringing Salvador home for the walk-off victory.

Facing that sudden shift in rhythm is something the Blue Eagles prepare for. “If someone makes an error, we just remind each other to move on to the next play. We remind each other to reset, communicate on the diamond, and play our own game to get us back in rhythm,” De Guzman stated.

The team is set to return to the diamond in hopes of securing a victory against the Lasallian bets on Wednesday, January 14, at the same venue.