Charles Chua delivered the go-ahead run to spark a late avalanche as National University opened its title defense on a bright note with a 7-4 win over Adamson University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 baseball tournament Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The sophomore catcher let fly a single to centerfield in the 8th inning to send Julius Cesar Soriano to the home plate and shatter a 4-all deadlock against substitute pitcher John Matanguihan.

Gio Gorpido and Kent Altarejos added hits to extend NU’s lead in the final inning of the match, which remained scoreless through the first four innings.

Bulldogs starting pitcher Amiel De Guzman was solid on the mound, allowing just four hits in seven and two-thirds innings while striking out seven batters.

“Credit to Adamson because they gave us a tough time. They prepared well against our hitters. Good thing the kids were able to adjust in the last inning to get this win,” second-year head coach Romar Landicho said.

Kevin Maulit put NU on the board with a hit to left field, though he was later caught stealing. Soriano then scored off a hit from Gorpido, who led NU’s offense with three hits in four at-bats.

Soriano contributed two hits, both resulting in RBIs.

Gorpido then took over pitching duties in the final frame, giving up only one hit and anchoring the Bulldogs’ defense to close out the game.