JESUS Cabigao kept University of Santo Tomas’ Final Four hopes alive in 87th UAAP men’s baseball tournament, delivering a defensive masterclass in a 4-3 win over semifinal-bound La Salle last Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The victory created a three-way tie at 4-5 between the Golden Sox, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the UP Fighting Maroons—setting up a dramatic finish for the last two Final Four spots. The final day of the elimination round is set for April 23, following the Holy Week break.
UST and UP will face off in the second game next week in what could be a do-or-die clash for a spot in the semifinals, while Adamson battles the eliminated Ateneo Blue Eagles in the day’s opening game at 7 a.m.
After giving up three runs in the first inning, the Golden Sox fought back and regained control in the sixth, scoring two runs that eventually sealed the win.
Sean De Leon sparked the rally with a deep hit to left field, followed by Alwyn Piñero’s single that put runners on the corners for Cedrick Marquez.
Marquez, a rookie outfielder from the UST high school program, then delivered a timely hit to the right side to score De Leon and tie the game. JR Vargas followed it up by bringing Piñero home for the go-ahead run.
“Buhay pa, peroimportanteyungsa UP kasi ‘pagmatalo, (parang) hanginlang, walana. Kaya mag-babakasyon kami para magpalakasuli,” said long-time UST head coach Jeff Santiago.
“Angsinabikolangsakanila, magaling kayo kaya niyonataloang NU. Kaya hindiimposiblengtaluninnatinang La Salle. Bastakumpiyansalang kayo, magtiwalalang kayo; walang pressure. Importante ‘yun eh kasilumalabasangdepensa, walanggigil. Nakakadepensa ng maaayos, tuladngayonmagandaangdepensa ng mga bata,” the UST legend added.
Defense indeed proved to be the difference-maker. Cabigao and the Golden Sox limited the Green Batters to just six hits and three runs—all of which came in the opening frame.
