THE UST Golden Sox stunned the reigning champions NU Bulldogs, ending their unbeaten run with a slim 5-4 win to start Round 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s baseball tournament on Wednesday, March 18, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Even with 10 miscues, the Golden Sox pounded the Bulldogs, 13-5, in hits.
With the victory, UST improved to 2-4 for fifth place, while NU remained atop the standings with a 5–1 slate.
The erstwhile unbeaten Bulldogs took charge in the first five innings, capitalizing on the Golden Sox’s errors to take a 4–1 advantage.
It was in the bottom of the eighth inning where UST did damage, as four straight hits off NU reliever Hilario Espina III sparked the comeback and loaded the bases for Golden Sox Harry Geronimo, Cedrick Marquez and Tim Caldo.
UST’s Eljin Mendoza drove a two-RBI single to left field to put the match at a 4-all deadlock. Sean de Leon then delivered the lead-taking run for the España squad.
Golden Sox pitcher Irvin Llave secured the win, shutting down NU over the final five innings to allow just one hit.
The Golden Sox look to build momentum when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the same venue on Sunday, March 22. F – Sophia Carmela dela Cuesta
