The University of Santo Tomas Golden Sox clinched a must-win game against the De La Salle University Green Batters, 4-3, in the UAAP Season 87 baseball tournament on Sunday, April 13, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

UST joined Adamson University and the University of the Philippines in a tight race for the last two Final Four slots carrying identical 4-5 win-loss records heading into the final game of the eliminations.

The Golden Sox seized an early 2-0 lead off a sacrifice fly by Justine Rosales and an RBI from Mhiegeil Cerda to open the first inning.

DLSU quickly responded at the bottom of the inning with Agon de Vera and JR Samuel’s RBIs, 2-3.

Both teams fell into a scoring drought over the next four innings, but the Golden Sox broke the silence in the sixth as Raymond Vargas and Alwyn Piñero each drove an RBI to put them ahead, 4-3.

UST's defensive stops produced only a single error to preserve the slender lead across the final three innings.

DLSU rookie Liam De Vera had one last shot at a comeback but suffered cramps running to first base for the final out.

Pitcher Jesus Cabigao overcame a shaky start after he struck out six batters and held DLSU scoreless for eight innings.

“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 maayos, tulad ngayon maganda ang depensa ng mga bata,” head coach Jeff Santiago said.

The UST Golden Sox will look to secure their semifinal berth when they face the University of the Philippines on Wednesday, April 23, at the same venue.