THE UST Golden Sox end their four-game losing skid, outshining the UP Fighting Maroons and clinching a final four berth, 15-11 in the UAAP Season 86 Baseball tournament at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.
After a stellar 3-1 start into the season, UST improved its record to 5-6 win-loss slate, locking in a final four appearance and raising hopes of ending a four-season championship drought.
UST had an 8-0 lead at the start, leaning on the seven hits in a couple of innings which all resulted in runs.
Reigning MVP and second baseman Steven Dominguez led the way for the Golden Sox with two of six, while Justine Rosales had four of six at the bat and catcher Reymond Vargas made all of it connect.
UP initiated a run in the fourth inning as Ian Mercado scored a five-run bottom to claim homerun and fill in the scoreboard for UP, 13-4.
The next three innings highlighted seven more runs from the Maroons, cutting the lead of UST to three before the penultimate inning, 14-11.
The España-based squad finished the game with a stellar defensive sequence as Kobe Torres hit second base with Rosales forcing Val Mangahas out.
Rosales then delivered the match-winning point as he threw an excellent throw to first baseman Alwyn Pinero, 15-11.
UST will look to exact revenge on the top-seeded DLSU Green Batters after a heartbreaking loss last Thursday.
The Final Four match will commence on April 14, 3 p.m. at the same venue. F
