The University of Santo Tomas Golden Sox saw their championship hopes dashed after a 5-6 defeat to the twice-to-beat De La Salle University Green Batters in the UAAP Season 87 baseball semifinals, on Tuesday, April 29, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

UST struck first in the second inning as Sean De Leon drove in an RBI double to center field that gave them an early 2-0 lead.

DLSU responded as Tuting Samuel and JR Alcontin each delivered RBI hits to level the game at the bottom of the fourth inning, 2-2.

Justine Rosales briefly regained the lead for UST in the fifth after sending Vargas home with an RBI, 3-2.

Relief pitcher Jesus Cabigao replaced Ian Llave after six innings, but suffered a rocky start as he hit two consecutive batters that loaded the bases.

Yuan Sumague capitalized on the opportunity and smashed a base-sweeping RBI to put the Green Batters ahead in the sixth, 3-5.

John Vargas clawed one back for UST in the seventh, patiently working his way to home plate to cut the deficit, 4-5.

UST created another deadlock in the ninth inning after rookie Cedrick Marquez overcame DLSU closer Liam De Vera and smashed a home run to send the game into extra innings at the 5-all mark.

The Golden Sox failed to find the spark through the 10th and 11th innings, as De Vera regained a grip on the Golden Sox offense..

A sacrifice fly from Sumague followed by a costly catching error by Vargas at home plate allowed DLSU to clinch their fifth consecutive Finals berth, 5-6.

Head coach Jeff Santiago praised his players for battling their way from the bottom of the standings in the first round (1-4) to finishing strong and claiming the third-seed (5-5).

“Thankful pa rin dahil from first round, nasa bottom kami. Then, umangat naman kami ng one step [from last season] sa podium, nasa third place kami,” Santiago said.

Five key players are set to leave the Golden Sox roster, including national team slugger Vargas, Season 85 MVP Rosales, Alwyn Piñero, Mhigeil Cerda, and Jester Tapia.

The Golden Sox will aim to rebuild their lineup for next season’s campaign following the departure of their senior players.

“We [will] rebuild the team. Marami pa naman tayo diyan mga rookie, promising naman mga rookies natin. Magkakaroon kami ng reinforcement sa labas, mag-recruit kami, at mag-scout kami ng players sa Palarong Pambansa,” he said.

UST's last Finals appearance and podium finish was in Season 79 in 2017, where they fell short against Ateneo de Manila University.

Their most recent title came in Season 73 in 2011, when they swept the elimination round and were declared automatic champions.