JESUS Cabigao kept University of Santo Tomas’ Final Four hopes alive in UAAP Season 87 Baseball, delivering a defensive masterclass in a 4-3 win over semifinal-bound De La Salle University on 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 on Wednesday 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, pero importante yung sa UP kasi ‘pag matalo, (parang) hangin lang, wala na. Kaya mag-babakasyon kami para magpalakas uli,” said long-time UST head coach Jeff Santiago.
(“We’re still alive, but the game against UP is crucial because if we lose, it’s like all of this was for nothing. That’s why we’ll take the break to recharge and come back stronger.”)
“Ang sinabi ko lang sa kanila, magaling kayo kaya niyo natalo ang NU. Kaya hindi imposibleng talunin natin ang La Salle. Basta kumpiyansa lang kayo, magtiwala lang kayo; walang pressure. Importante ‘yun eh kasi lumalabas ang depensa, walang gigil. Nakakadepensa ng maaayos, tulad ngayon maganda ang depensa ng mga bata,” the UST legend added.
(“All I told them was, you’re talented—you were able to beat NU. So it’s not impossible for us to defeat La Salle. Just stay confident, trust yourselves; no pressure. That’s important because when you’re relaxed, your defense comes out naturally. No panic. You can play solid defense—just like today, the boys really defended well.”)
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.
The second-year pitcher from UST High School racked up six strikeouts and showcased exceptional command on the mound, helping his defense make timely stops—none more crucial than in the seventh inning when La Salle threatened to level the score.
Trailing by one, DLSU captain Lord Aragorn De Vera reached first base after being hit by a Cabigao pitch. Two batters later, De Vera advanced to third and stood in scoring position for fellow senior Tuting Samuel. But Samuel’s grounder was snatched by UST third baseman Prince Harry Geronimo on a diving grab. Geronimo quickly recovered and fired a throw to first baseman Piñero to tag out Samuel, ending the threat and igniting a wave of confidence in the UST dugout.
