The University of Santo Tomas Golden Sox completed a late 12-11 fightback against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to book a semifinal matchup at the UAAP Season 87 baseball tournament on Wednesday, April 23, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

UST found themselves trailing early until the fourth inning, 1-7, but national team standout John Vargas turned things around with a three-run homer to deep left field in the fifth inning, 5-7.

The momentum continued as the Golden Sox added four more runs in the sixth and seventh to seize the lead approaching the last frame, 9-7.

The Golden Sox squandered their hard-fought two-point lead as UP’s LM Basañes launched an inside-the-park grand slam to center field to give them the lead back, 9-11.

UP’s closing pitcher, Kobe Torres, closed out the first two batters in the final inning, but Vargas delivered a clutch triple-RBI to keep the Golden Sox alive, 10-11.

The Fighting Maroons coped with Vargas’ position at third base by deciding to walk UST sluggers Justine Rosales and Prince Harry Geronimo in an effort to load the bases.

Team captain Mhiegeil Cerda stepped up at the very last moment to seal the dramatic comeback win with a walk-off hit to right center field, 12-11.

“Pinatunayan ko lang sa coaches and teammates ko kasi early game wala talaga akong palo, puro pop-up, binigyan ako ng pagkakataon para bumawi, ayon na-execute ko,” said Cerda.

The Golden Sox solidified the third seed with a 5-5 win-loss record to set up a duel against the twice-to-beat De La Salle University Green Batters in the semis.

UP and Adamson University, who are tied in fourth place, will play a playoff match for the remaining spot in the Final Four.