The UST Golden Sox edged the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and dominated the Ateneo Blue Eagles to remain in contention for a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s baseball tournament on Sunday, April 5, at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
UST outlasted UP, 8-7, in the continuation of their suspended game on March 29 due to poor visibility, before pummeling Ateneo, 16-8, to force a playoff for a Final Four berth.
The Golden Sox ended the elimination round in a three-way tie with UP and Adamson at 4-6 after the Fighting Maroons defeated Adamson later in the day.
Adamson secured the third spot due to a superior head-to-head record, forcing a playoff between UST and UP to determine the fourth semifinalist.
“Nakita ko talaga ‘yong tapang, buo sila ngayon, talagang anything happens, medyo may nagkamali, focus pa rin talaga, para makuha nila ‘tong win na ‘to,” UST assistant coach Mario Cerda Jr. told the Varsitarian.
The Golden Sox delivered a strong offensive performance against Ateneo, highlighted by solo home runs from Tim Caldo and Kevin Liwag.
Holding a 5-0 lead entering the third inning, Caldo blasted a home run to deep left field in the bottom of the inning. Deric De Leon then doubled to plate Ken Madrid before an Ateneo error allowed De Leon to score, 8-0.
However, the Golden Sox faltered in the fifth inning after committing defensive miscues that gave Ateneo a five-run opportunity.
A fielding error by third baseman De Leon allowed Francis Mendoza and Lucas Atendido to score, while miscues from Cedrick Marquez and Charlie Belgar sent Alfonso Tueres and Khristian Ferrolino home.
Pitcher Irvin Llave was eventually relieved by Kent Santillan after Ateneo trimmed the deficit to 9-5.
Santillan steadied UST’s defense in the sixth inning, retiring three straight batters on routine plays.
The Golden Sox kept the momentum going in the bottom half as De Leon delivered a two-RBI hit with the bases loaded, driving in Caldo and Marquez.
Rookie Kevin Liwag sustained the surge, bringing De Leon and Madrid home for a 14-5 cushion.
Ateneo scored three runs across the seventh and eighth innings, but a Liwag home run to left field in the bottom of the eighth sealed the victory for UST, 16-8.
“Sobrang happy ang mga bata especially kaming mga coaches kasi kahit na natalo, at least bumawi. Possible kaming makapasok ng Final Four,” Cerda said.
“Paghahandaan namin, para kahit papano pumasok kami (sa Final Four).”
UST will face UP in a playoff game on Wednesday, April 8, at the same venue.
