UAAP: Adamson still in Final 4 hunt in baseball

MANILA -- Adamson University fanned its Final 4 hopes in the UAAP Season 87 baseball tournament on Wednesday after a 10-5 come-from-behind win over the University of Santo Tomas at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

‎The Soaring Falcons snapped a two-game slide to improve to 4-4, which put them at solo third in the league standings.

‎Trailing 4-5 at the bottom of the sixth inning, Kier Plaza jumpstarted a three-run rally with a booming double along the right foul line.‎

‎Two consecutive walks issued by UST starter Prince Harry Geronimo to Mark Montoya and JM Tupig loaded the bases for John Matanghuihan.

‎‎Two fielding errors by Season 85 MVP Justine Rosales, combined with a well-placed hit from rookie James Nisnisan, allowed Plaza, Montoya, and Tupig to score — giving Adamson a lead they would never surrender.

‎‎The San Marcelino-based squad tacked on three more runs in the eighth inning off reliever Jesus Cabigao to put the game out of reach and secure their fourth win of the season.

The Adamson Soaring Falcons celebrate against UST in the UAAP Season 87 baseball tournament, April 9, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila. UAAP Media

‎‎"Yun nga, nagsimula ang second round na natalo kami do'n sa finalists (last season), sa NU at saka sa La Salle. Ang sabi ko, kung hindi man kami manalo do'n sa dalawa, dito sa mga remaining games na kailangang manalo para may pag-asa sa top four. Top three na nga kami ngayon. Sinabi ko rin sa kanila na lahat ng games must-win; kaya mabuti itong sa UST naipanalo namin," said long-time head coach Lando Binarao.

‎‎Rookie pitcher Milko Go Jr. was key in Adamson's comeback, holding UST scoreless in the final four innings — including a gutsy ninth-inning stand when the Golden Sox threatened to mount a comeback.

‎‎After Cabigao was retired on a foul fly by Plaza, UST's JR Vargas hit a single to right-center, but Go held firm, retiring Cedrick Marquez and Raniel Cardio in succession to end the game.

‎‎Go, a freshman from San Miguel High School, earned the win after pitching 5.2 shutout innings, allowing only three hits and striking out three — including the final two batters.‎

‎Offense also clicked for the Falcons, driving in 13 hits, mostly coming from those huge innings, with Kean Matanguihan leading the way with a four-on-five hitting clip and four RBIs.‎

‎Nisnisan added three hits on four at-bats and two RBIs.‎

‎UST had a strong opening stretch, scoring all five of their runs while Kenneth Delos Reyes was on the mound.‎

‎Doubles from Marquez, Mhigeil Cerda, and Sean De Leon helped the Golden Sox build an early lead in the first four innings.

‎‎However, Adamson eventually broke through against Geronimo in the fourth inning and capitalized on UST's defensive miscues.‎

‎With the loss, the Golden Sox dropped to 3-5, snapping a two-game winning streak.

‎‎With Final Four spots still up for grabs and another key matchup against fellow contender UP on the horizon, Binarao is calling on his players to finish strong.‎

‎"Ang gusto ko lang makita is 'yung makapag-deliver sila sa opensa and at the same tame 'yung pitcher is maka-hold. Tulung-tulong ba, opensa at depensa, 'yan naman ang kailangan diyan," said the seasoned mentor.

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