Spartans Set to Battle Bentley in Season Opener
The University of Tampa Baseball team will open its season against the Falcons of Bentley University for the sixth consecutive season opener.
TAMPA, Fla. – Hosting its opening game of the season, the No. 2 University of Tampa baseball team will meet Bentley University for the sixth season opener in a row.
The Matchup: No. 2 University of Tampa vs. Bentley University
Date/Time: Friday February 3rd at 6 p.m., Saturday February 4th at 6 p.m., and Sunday February 5th at 12 p.m.
Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | Tampa, Fla.
Last Season: The seven-time National Champions earned their 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament selection after winning the Sunshine State Conference with a 41-10 overall record and 20-4 SSC record.
About the Spartans: Tampa returns seven hitters to the batting order who hit over .300 last season; Vin Cosenzo, Danny Lee, Kevin Santa, Laz Rivera, Chris Gaffney, J.D. Osborne, and Adrian Chacon. Three of those hitters, Santa, Rivera, and Cosenzo hit above .400 with .441, .427, and .420, respectively. Among those hitters, senior J.D. Osborne led the Spartans in homeruns (13) and RBIs (59) last season. First team pre-season All South Region selection, pitcher Christopher Williams, returns to the mound for the Spartans after leading the team last year with a 3.53 ERA and 72 strikeouts. Chris McCormick and Cody Martin also return to the pitching staff after seeing significant action last season logging more than 30 innings each out of the bullpen.
About the Falcons: Coming off a 15-25 season, Bentley University returns some of their lineup back to the field. Nick Neshe, who led the Falcons in batting average with .343, returns for his junior season along with key players Mike Samko and Justin Ashworth who hit .296 and .294, respectively. The Falcons also return Jack Burke, Evan Walsh, and Paul Frisoli back to the mound after playing in multiple series, each tallying at least 32 innings pitched.
Series History: Tampa owns the all-time series with a 15-1 overall record. The Spartans have won the past 11 series over the Falcons.
Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.
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