MANILA – Kiko Gesmundo came up with a two-run homer in the top ninth as the De La Salle University Green Archers edged Ateneo Blue Eagles, 11-9, to clinch the crown of the UAAP Season 81 baseball at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
The Green Archers went on to preserve the heroics of Gesmundo on Friday with a double play at the bottom ninth to prevent the Blue Eagles from sending the do-or-die finale to extra innings.
Gesmundo had two RBIs and two runs while Anton Acuña also had two RBIs for DLSU.
Arvin Herrera, on the other hand, delivered a strike out on the Blue Eagles’ Gio Salvatierra in the bottom ninth before clinching the game with a double play.
For his heroics for the Green Archers, which won its second title in four seasons and fifth overall, Gesmundo was named as the Finals MVP, while fellow graduating Boo Barandian was declared Best Hitter.
De La Salle’s Diego Lozano was named the season MVP, Best Slugger with .842 and snagged the Most Homeruns plum with three, while his teammate Iggy Escaño won the Most RBIs award with 18 this season.
“Nasa kanila na. Magde-determine ang larong ito sa mas gustong manalo. At pinatunayan nila iyon. Ang sabi ko, anytime, kaya nila iyon,” said Green Archers head coach Joseph Orillana.
The Blue Eagles rallied from a 5-9 deficit for four runs in the bottom eight, as Dino Altomonte’s pop-fly sent Javi Macasaet home to level, paving the way for the wire to wire finish.
Marco Mallari had three RBIs and two hits, Javi Macasaet came through with two RBIs and two hits, while Paolo Macasaet pitched for 6 1/3 innings and tallied five strikeouts for the Blue Eagles./PN
