Spartans Storm Their Way to a Pair of Wins Over Rollins
TAMPA, Fla. - In the most non-traditional of double-headers, the No. 3 University of Tampa baseball team won its two games against Sunshine State Conference foe Rollins College. The Spartans improve to 23-4 on the season with a 6-2 SSC record while the Tars drop to 14-11 with a 1-4 conference tally.
Tampa took the first game of the twin-bill 4-1 as a rainy Friday night pushed the final three innings of play to Saturday. Outfielder Michael Danner swung a perfect 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and a two RBI home run. Junior Zach Gawrych tallied three hits in the first game with two RBI of his own.
Left-handed pitcher Eric Luksis (3-1) tossed the first six innings Friday night to earn the win. The senior threw six innings of one run baseball, scattering seven hits and striking out three. Rollins pitcher Anthony Figliolia garnered the first game loss in his five innings of play.
Fellow senior Mike Adams pitched the final three innings of the game continuation on Saturday, preserving a 4-1 win and earning his fourth save of the season.
Tampa rode their successes to the second game, as Gawrych hit 4-for-4 with 4 RBI, including a solo home run. Designated hitter Tyler Ding and second baseman Zach Alvord each collected three hits and two RBI in the second game. The Spartans totaled 18 hits in the 17-3 trouncing as they lead the series 2-0 heading into the final game.
Spartan hurler Jon Keller (1-1) started the second earned his first win of the season, spinning a five inning performance where he surrendered just four hits and a single run. Tars starter Taylor Smith was the Rollins pitcher of record, picking up the loss in his five-plus innings of work.
Tampa will complete the series Sunday against the Tars, game time slated for a 1 p.m. start. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.
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