THE UST Golden Sox suffered their fourth loss in a row after tumbling against the UP Fighting Maroons, 7-2, to conclude the first round of the UAAP Season 87 baseball tournament on March 26, Wednesday, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Sinking to a 1-4 win-loss slate, the Golden Sox now share fifth place with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, UP tied the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the third spot with a 2-2 record.
Pitcher Kobe Torres locked down on the defensive end after limiting the España-based squad to seven hits and stranding eight runners. On the offensive side, the Diliman squad knocked in 11 hits.
The Golden Sox got off to a shaky start in the opening inning as they allowed the Fighting Maroons—led by reigning MVP Ian Mercardo and Aaron Nicha—to score three runs for an early 3-0 advantage.
UST got on the board in the top of the second inning but was quickly neutralized after UP plated a run in the next half to remain in control, 4-1.
Golden Sox starting pitcher Jesus Cabigao gave up another run in the fourth inning before Prince Harry Geronimo climbed the mound. Despite the pitcher change, the Fighting Maroons continued to cut through, 6-1.
Back-to-back hits from UST’s Sean de Leon and team captain Mhigeil Cerda registered a run to cut their deficit to four, 6-2 in the top of the seventh frame. However, UP responded with another run in the following half.
Both teams went cold in the eighth inning before the Fighting Maroons showcased their defensive efforts to seal the victory.
The schedule for the second round is yet to be announced. F
