SA nakalipas na anim na season, hindi nawawala ang Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles sa finals ng UAAP baseball kaya’t hindi na bago sa kanila ang lumaro sa kampeonato.
Kumpiyansa sa karanasang taglay, nadomina ng Blue Eagles ang University of Santo Tomas Golden Sox,9-2, sa Game One ng championship series nitong Martes sa Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium .
“The advantage [we have] is I think they are more honed because they have been in the championship every year,” ayon kay Ateneo Baseball program director Randy Dizer. “Sa UST, yung pressure is there. Makikita mo, in the first four innings, nandun yung galaw nila pero ayaw lumabas.”
Nakita naman ang kakapusan sa karanasan ng UST sa third inning kung saan patas ang iskor sa 1-all.
Kumonekta nang magkasunod na base hits sina Dino Altomonte at Radito Banzon kontra kay rookie pitcher Ian Llave na nasundan pa ng apat na dikit na walks na nagresulta ng tatlong runs para sa Blue Eagles.
“It was not dominant in the beginning. The runs that we made were all from walks,” dagdag ni Dizer . “But when they were able to adjust, lumabas na. That’s why I had the luxury to use all of my players.” (Marivic Awitan)