THE UST Golden Sox have recruited a top rookie, who is a veteran of major international tournaments.
At 15, Christian Mercado was a member of the RP Youth 15-16 team, which claimed the top spot in the Asia Pacific Baseball Tournament after defeating Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last July 3.
The RP team defeated Indonesia via mercy rule, 10-0, to book a ticket in the World Little League Series in Maine, USA on August 14 to 21.
Although the national team bowed to Guam, 3-4, it was awarded a win-over-the-other and quotient-system advantage after Indonesia defeated Guam. Thus, the Philippines remained in contention in the single-round robin competition.
“I’m very happy because for the first time in my seven years of playing, I will finally ‘swing’ in the World Series,” Mercado said.
Before being scouted for the national team, the Batangas native competed in the Philippine Series representing the Tanauan squad, where he was team captain.
“He’s good. You can count on him in batting. He could compete against strong rookies and even those from La Salle and Ateneo,” said coach Jeffrey Santiago.
RP U-18
Meanwhile, Season 73 standouts Arvin Plaza and Carlo Conge will fly for Yokohama, Japan on August 26 to join the under-18 national squad that will compete in the International Baseball Federation AAA tournament.
“It excites me, and at the same time I am challenged,” said Plaza. “The last time I went outside the country for a baseball tournament was when I was [in] fourth year high school.” Jan Edward B. Ballesteros
