MANILA -- National University continued its march toward the UAAP Season 87 Baseball Final Four with a 7-2 win over also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Now holding an 8-1 win-loss record, the defending champions aim to lock in the No. 1 seed when they face De La Salle University (6-2) on April 23. 

That matchup will come after the Holy Week break, marking the end of the elimination round.

The Bulldogs leaned on a strong four-run finish and a composed complete-game performance from pitcher Jherick Timban to notch their second straight win in the second round. But it was the dependable showing from their second-stringers that made the difference in keeping Ateneo at bay.

The turning point came in the fifth inning, with the game tied at two. Kent Altarejos sparked the go-ahead rally with a single to deep left field in the direction of Rico Samson, then stole second to get into scoring position. Kevin Maulit followed with a shot to the same area, bringing Altarejos home to break the deadlock.

"Binigyan namin ng chances 'yung mga second stringers namin, baka sakaling kailanganin namin sila sa mga susunod naming laro. We make it a point, kaming mga coaches, na maging fair sa kanila at para mabigyan naman sila ng playing time. This is the only way para magka-experience sila sa laro, so nasa kanila kung paano nila ite-take 'yung game," said NU second-year head coach Romar Landicho.

Those second-stringers helped NU establish an early 2-0 lead by the third inning while also holding Ateneo scoreless through the first two frames. Kiel Olazo led the charge with one run apiece in the first and third innings, while Herald Tenorio delivered two hits in the same frames. Altarejos and Maulit also chipped in one hit each.

On the mound, Timban was rock-solid, throwing a complete game without relief. He held Ateneo to just five hits and two earned runs—both coming in the third inning—and struck out 10 batters.

Maulit led the Bulldogs offensively with two hits in four at-bats and two RBIs. Altarejos went 3-of-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Tenorio added a 3-of-5 performance with one RBI as well.

Ateneo, now at 1-8 after dropping its sixth straight game, managed its only offense in the third inning. Matthew San Juan and Alejandro Mendoza each delivered a double and one RBI to bring home Luis Mendoza and San Juan.

But that was all the Blue Eagles could muster, as they were held scoreless and limited to just two hits the rest of the way. Enzo Montemayor accounted for one of those late-game hits, his second coming in the final inning.

Lucas Atentido took his second consecutive loss on the mound after giving up 13 hits and all seven NU runs.