Manila: National University Nazareth School (NUNS) relied on the performance of Chester Mark Mateo to beat University of Santo Tomas, 4-3 and grab the lead in the UAAP Season 88 high school baseball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the 18-year-old pitcher from Palawan allowed just four hits and three runs, and struck out six UST batters as the Bullpups improved to a 4-2 record. "Mateo was really exceptional. Surprisingly, he held up the whole game. Actually, this is the first time I've seen him perform like that. I hope it continues," said NUNS head coach Romar Landicho. Mateo also went 2-for-3 with a triple, while Justin Lauriquez led the offense with three hits and a stolen base. In the other game, PAREF Southridge defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 19-7, in eight innings. PAREF Southridge improved to 3-3 and remains in the hunt for a Finals berth, just half a game behind UST and idle De La Salle-Zobel. The Blue Eagles raced to a 4- 0 lead in the first inning before the Admirals scored four in the third, three each in the fourth and fifth, and five in the sixth to build a commanding 15-5 lead. "Although we started slow, I woke them up, made some adjustments, and the team responded. Itong next three games namin, we are treating it as championship games to stay alive," said Southridge head coach Bocc Bernardo. Catcher Sandro Villarosa led the charge with four hits and two RBIs, while Luis Chavez went 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Leadoff batter JC Basañes chipped in three hits and three stolen bases, and Yano Antonio had five runs on two hits.