To be honest, I don't think the score reflects how much better Putnam played than Pagulayan. This match was lopsided everywhere but on the scoreboard.
Putnam's jump shot (at either 8-8 or 9-8) should be remembered as one of the best clutch shots in US Open history. Snookered, he had to pocket the ball from about six feet away and also pull off two rail shape around two obstructing balls to make the shape, and he was up to the challenge. He then completed the runout.
If Putnam plays this well in the final, he definitely has a good chance. Still, Appleton will prove a much stiffer test than Alex.