Spartans Dezzi-mate Owls in 18-5 Rout

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - Behind a 19-hit assault, the top ranked University of Tampa baseball team demolished Southern Connecticut State University 18-5 Tuesday evening. The rout gives the Spartans a 24-1 overall record while the visiting Owls dip to 5-4-1.

Catcher Nick Tindall collected five RBI off of a two hit performance, including a solo home run and a bases clearing double. Juniors Stephen Dezzi and Tyler York each recorded three RBI and a homer in the contest. Dezzi and Tindall share the team lead with five home runs each on the season.

Leadoff hitter Orlando Rivera was the offensive spark, tallying four base-knocks and two RBI while York followed with three hits to his credit. Outfielder Zach Gawrych plated three runs in the romp as UT coasted to its 24th win of the season.

The Spartans jumped on the Owls pitching staff early, as Dezzi and York each tallied a long-ball in the bottom of the first to give Tampa a 3-0 lead.

SCSU took the lead in the third, as the visiting squad strung together five runs, forcing an early exit for the UT starting pitcher. Right-hander Marcus Crescentini (1-0) came in to stifle the Owls attack and pitch two-plus innings of relief to earn his first win of the season.

Tampa unloaded a nine-run barrage in the fourth frame to reclaim the lead and oust the Owls offense. Tindall cracked a solo-shot over the left field fence to solidify an 18-5 win. The Spartan bullpen limited SCSU to two hits over six innings.

Owls starter Tyler Albrecht (0-2) was tabbed with the loss, surrendering 10 runs, eight earned in three innings of work.

The Spartans continue their home-stand with a make-up game against Franklin Pierce University, game time scheduled for a 7 p.m. start Wednesday at the UT Baseball Field.

Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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