Tampa Drops Conference Opener

Box score

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Tampa lost its first game of Sunshine State Conference play, with a 5-3 loss to Florida Tech. In their conference opener, the Spartans got off to a strong start, but defensive mistakes would be costly throughout the game.

Tampa started strong out of the gate with a two RBI base hit by Tyler Ding. Tampa would add another run in the third when Zach Gawrych drove in Connor Obrochta. The Panthers would answer back in the next half inning, pushing past the Spartans with four runs of their own.

Tampa as a whole tonight had five errors in the game, leading to the majority of the Panthers runs.

The Spartan bats were not able to come alive late to benefit Tampa and help them overcome the deficit. FIT held on for the win, giving them the advantage going into tomorrow's double header.

Preston Packrall received the loss after relieving 5.2 innings for Jon Keller. Both struck out two batters.

Tampa continues Sunshine State Conference play on the road against Florida Tech. They play a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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