NU Bulldogs bats for their historic UAAP three-peat vs DLSU Green Batters today at RMBS

MOMENT of truth will hit today at the Manila diamond.Will it be a roar of triumph for the Bulldogs or a swing and a hit for the title by the Green Batters to regain lost glory ?

National University attempts to secure a third straight UAAP Collegiate Men’s Baseball championship as it goes for a reverse sweep against De La Salle University in the winner-take-all Game 3 today (Tuesday) at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Bulldogs are on a mission of continuing their winning tradition chasing their first three-peat in league history following a massive turnaround in Game 2, where they bounced back a 9–3 victory over the Green Batters. This came after a narrow 1–2 loss in Game 1. First pitch is set at 8 a.m. at the historic Malate venue, with the tournament held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

Expected to be the final game of both the season and the stadium before it undergoes a major renovation, NU looks to build on the lessons from its Game 1 defeat and the momentum gained from its Game 2 triumph.

“After Game 1, una, in-accept talaga namin na talo kami dahil sobrang ganda ng nilaro ng La Salle, especially ‘yung pitcher nila, si Liam De Vera. Tinanggap muna namin sa sarili namin na may kulang pa, and from there, do’n kami nagsimula ng adjustments para sa team, in preparation sa Game Two,” said third-year head coach Romar Landicho.

The Maulit twins, Kenneth and Kevin, aim to cap their collegiate careers as the winningest Bulldogs in baseball history as they look to replicate the heroics they displayed throughout the season, particularly in the must-win Game 2 last Friday.

Their offensive surge, combined with the stellar outing of Hilario Espina III on the mound, powered the reigning back-to-back champions and extended their title hopes for at least four more days.

“Yung hitting namin kasi isa na lang na-score namin from [Game 1], so ‘yun lang pinagtuunan namin ng pansin, and, of course, ‘yung motivation na hindi pa naman tapos ‘yung laban ‘eh; kumbaga may Game 2 pa, mag-focus tayo sa Game Two, and then, ‘pag nakuha natin ‘to at saka natin problemahin ‘yung Game 3.”

With just one win away from a historic three-peat, Landicho hopes his squad can deliver when itI matters most.

“Dadalhin namin ‘yung run, tapos ‘yung roll namin ngayon. We’re coming from a win. So, ‘yun din ‘yung magiging motivation namin going to Game Three. At talagang paghahandaan namin; alam naman namin kung sinong pupukol, paghahandaan namin,” he said.

“Yung attitude lang na hindi bumibigay; ‘yun lang naman ‘yung sandigan namin eh. Oras na bumigay ka sa mga ganitong laro, especially championship, wala talagang mangyayari. We have to be mentally prepared hanggang sa dulo. Hanggang sa last out, lalaban kami tiyak,” Landicho added.

On the blockade in NU’s way are the two-time bridesmaids Green Batters, who are determined to shed that tag and reclaim the championship they last won in Season 85 (2022–2023).

Ace players Tuting Samuel and Liam De Vera leading the charge, La Salle looks to regroup and pull out all the stops in its bid to return to the top.