THE ITAKURA Parts Philippines Corporation Nationals sent the UST Golden Sox reeling to their third-straight defeat, 8-4, in the Philippine Baseball League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday.
Trailing 2-4 in the third inning, IPPC hammered in four conversions courtesy of Alfredo de Guzman, Pio Villamiel, Kyle Olazo and Rezel Esquilito to pull away for good, 6-4.
“Kahit talo, maganda ‘yong batting ng first three innings namin tsaka ‘yong pitcher namin paglabas ko, nasira niya ‘yong timing ng IPPC,” UST head coach Jeffrey Santiago, who pitched the first three innings, told the Varsitarian.
Olazo and Christian Galedo punched in two more insurance hits in the fifth and sixth innings to keep the Nationals afloat.
The Golden Sox started the game on fire with conversions by Israel Antonio, Mark Beronilla and Alwen Calbang, 3-0.
IPPC pitcher Aids Bernardo played a complete game, fanning seven UST players.
UST fell to sixth place behind a 1-3 win-loss record while IPPC rose to 3-1.
The Golden Sox will look to snap their losing skid against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Jan. 20, Sunday, 7 a.m., at the same venue.
