Spartans Tame Lions in Non-Conference Contest

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - Behind the strength of a seven run first inning, the No. 15 University of Tampa baseball team defeated Saint Leo University in a nonconference contest by a score of 13-5 on Wednesday night at The University of Tampa Baseball Field. Tampa's record improves to 11-3 while Saint Leo falls to 4-7.

Tom Meagher came in relief in the third inning, pitching a strong three innings, striking out six and walking none and earning his first win of the season.

First baseman Mike Blanke went 3-for-5 with two RBI while Brad Roberts contributed two hits, two RBI and crossed the plate three times.

Neither team wasted any time putting runs on the board. A triple hit by right fielder Dustin Brown scored three runs in the top of the first. The Spartans struck back with RBI doubles from Mike Schwartz and Dylan Brown. Freshman Adam Pendleton along with Roberts, singled in a run each. Jared Simon tripled in two during the Spartan frenzy ending the inning with a score of 7-3.

In the bottom of the fourth Blanke hit a RBI triple to go along with one-run singles from Brown and Pendleton. Following the fourth inning, Tampa held a 10-4 advantage.

The bottom of the eighth led off with a Mike Bourdon homer, his third pinch-hit home run of the season. A pinch-hit RBI single from Rolando Lopez ended the scoring for the Spartans with 13-5 on the board.

The Spartans welcome Valdosta State this weekend for a three game series, with the first game slotted for a Friday 6 p.m. start.

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