Top-Ranked Spartans Set for Four-Game Homestand

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 1 University of Tampa baseball team will host a Thursday afternoon game, followed by a three-game South Region weekend series at the UT Baseball Field.

The Spartans will meet Seton Hill University on Thursday at 3 p.m., followed by a three-game series with Albany State University. The Golden Rams come to town for a 6 p.m., game on Friday, followed by a Saturday doubleheader that begins at noon.

The Spartans enter with an 11-1 record, and are coming off a three-game sweep of Sunshine State Conference opponent Barry University. UT also played the Philadelphia Phillies in an exhibition game on Sunday, falling by an 8-3 score to the MLB opponent.

Reigning SSC Player of the Week Casey Scoggins has been a catalyst for UT's offense, as the senior centerfielder is hitting .420 this season with a team-high 19 runs and four triples.

Outfielder Danny Lee leads the team with a .477 batting average as shortstop Kevin Santa comes in at .469. Lee and Cody deNoyelles have each slugged two home runs, while Lee, Santa and Laz Rivera all have a team-leading 11 RBI.

Seton Hill enters the game with a 4-3 record as Thursday's game will be the fifth of seven games played in Florida over spring break. After falling 6-3 to Lewis, the Griffins have rattled off wins over West Virginia Wesleyan (9-6), Tiffin (7-2) and West Virginia Wesleyan (11-2).

The Griffins have five hitters with a .330-plus batting average, led by Tyler Sullivan's .458 clip. Zac Heide is hitting .333 with a team-leading two home runs and nine RBI. Seton Hall also boasts a 3.66 team ERA with 81 strikeouts in 64.0 innings pitched.

Albany State is coming off a doubleheader split with Flagler College on Tuesday, and now sports a record of 1-17. this marks the third series for the Golden Rams against a Sunshine State Conference opponent, as they were dealt a three-game sweep by both Saint Leo and Florida Tech.

Trevor Bilin leads ASU with a .387 batting average, and has also driven in a team-leading five runs. Bryant Prath (.375), Jonnie Benni (.333) and Jonatan Gala (.318) are also all hitting over the .300 mark.

Tampa owns a 5-0 all-time mark against Seton Hill, last defeating the Griffins by a 7-2 score in 2014. UT is also 5-0 against Albany State, sweeping the Golden Rams in a three-game road series in 2014.

Tickets will be available at the gate for $5. UT students and staff will be admitted for free with a valid Spartan ID. Gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch.

Live stats and video will be available for all games. Fans may follow live stats at Tampa.Statbroadcast.com, or TampaStats.com on a mobile device. Fans may also watch live through TampaSpartans.tv.

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