THE UST Golden Sox opened their UAAP campaign on the down side of things as it lost the season-opener to De La Salle University,14-9, last Nov. 25 at the Rizal Memorial baseball stadium..
La Salle burned UST’s starting pitcher Erasto Sarmiento in the early goings to put the España-based batters out of their rhythm. The Archers then secured the win through a five-run outing in the second and a six-run outing in the fourth inning.
A questionable double-play call in the second inning made the difference for the Tiger Batters, baseball head coach Jeffrey Santiago said.
“Bad officiating. On the second, there was clear(ly) (a) double play. But the umpire called (it) safe,” he said.
The UST mentor added that his starting pitcher was not able to play his game because the umpires did not call the corner pitches.
“Iyong mga corner to corner ayaw tawagan. Napilitan tuloy si Erasto gumitna.”
The Golden Sox fought back with a four-run fourth inning highlighted by a homer from starting center fielder Sherwin Canlas to close the gap, 11-5.
The Tiger Batters tried to mount a comeback but could not break the 5-run barrier for the rest of the game. Archer ace hurler Joseph Orillana broke the Golden Sox’s rally as he retired the inning in the eight. Christian B. Bautista
