The National University Bulldogs sent a strong message in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as they overpowered powerhouse Adamson Falcons via an abbreviated 16-3 victory during the elimination round’s opening game of the baseball tournament at the UP Baseball Field in Quezon City over the weekend.
The Bulldogs took control of the game in the early goings up to the 6th inning with a 9-3 advantage and blazed hot bats in the 7th frame with 7 runs en route to a maiden victory of the season via the mercy rule.
NU’s ace pitchers MJ Carolino (starter), Cyril Antipolo, Amiel de Guzman and star rookie Jherick Timban lorded it over the mound, allowing only 3 runs for the topseeded Adamson batters, who were upset by the newly found strength of the Bulldogs at the diamond and in the bullpen.
With head coach Romar Landicho, deputy coach Robin Go, pitching coach Junmar Diarao and conditioning coach Fil-Am Mon Espino (San Diego Padres) combining forces with the great motivation from assistant team manager Rey Sol, the Bulldogs showed their stern stuff at the playing field and sent a big message to the field in their mission to reign supreme in the ongoing UAAP baseball season.
Team manager Wopsy Zamora started the NU Bulldogs’ team buildup four months ago by putting new names in the field of coaching, replacing the old school of team stewardship at the diamond.
“The experiment paid off. We saw the real strength of our team and I’m optimistic it will bear fruitful dividends as the season progresses. I give credit to our boys and coaching staff in this very convincing victory as we prepare to rule the league, one game at a time,” team manager Zamora said.
Aside from team’s prized pitchers, the other Bulldogs’ frontliners are Nigel Paule, Kent Altarejos, Jude and Joven Maulit, Herald Tenorio, Gio Gorpido and multi-awarded high school player Kiel Olazo.