Yuan Sumague’s walk-off hit vs UST, sends La Salle to fifth straight UAAP baseball finals

Rookie Yuan Sumague propelled De La Salle University to its fifth consecutive UAAP Baseball Finals appearance with a dramatic walk-off hit in the 11th inning, capping off a thrilling 6-5 victory, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The freshman from Faith Colleges in Tanauan, Batangas — who earlier delivered a game-changing, bases-clearing triple in the seventh inning — capitalized once more with runners in scoring position.

He blasted a deep shot to center field, deep enough to send his catcher and co-captain Tuting Samuel sprinting home for the winning run.

With that clutch hit, Sumague officially punched the Green Batters’ ticket to the Finals, where they will vie for a seventh UAAP title.

Earlier in the inning, Samuel and JR Alcontin advanced to third and second base, respectively, after Miguel Agoncillo successfully executed a sacrifice bunt — setting the stage for Sumague’s walk-off moment.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, ‘pag dating ngayon, labanan na ’yan ng mental toughness. Kailangang andon ’yong fighting spirit nila na hanggang matapos ’yong game, todo talaga sila. Kasi hangga’t hindi natatapos ang game, may chance na sa’tin pa rin (ang panalo),” said long-time head coach Joseph Orillana.

“Sabi ko nga na walang rookies-rookies and anyone can be a leader in this team; hindi tayo kailangang laging naka-asa sa seniors. Execute lang namin ’yung play, maniwala lang sila, at ibigay ’yung best nila, makukuha namin ’yung gusto naming mangyari,” added Orillana, a La Salle great and former national team standout, on Sumague’s clutch performance.

Sumague gave La Salle the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning with his lone hit of the game — a three-RBI triple that brought home Pio Villamiel, Samuel, and Alcontin. He nearly scored himself on the next play but was tagged out at the plate by UST’s graduating catcher.

The Sports Management freshman finished with one hit and a sacrifice fly, racking up four RBIs in his best performance of the season. Alcontin, the Green Batters’ designated hitter, also stepped up with three hits and one RBI.

Liam De Vera, who started the game at third base, ended up earning the win on the mound. He anchored a pivotal double play in the final inning that effectively shut the door on UST’s hopes of extending its season.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Meanwhile, the Golden Sox await the result of the other semifinal match between National University and Adamson University. A win by reigning champion NU will cement their spot on the podium.

UST had held a 4-2 lead entering the bottom of the seventh, thanks to a balanced offensive showing led by rookie Cedrick Marquez, whose solo home run extended the game to an 11th inning.

Sean De Leon also delivered for the Golden Sox with two hits and two RBIs.

Along with JR Vargas, UST also bid farewell to Season 85 MVP Justine Rosales, team captain Mhigeil Cerda, Jester Tapia, and Alwyn Piñero.