Spartans Offense Explodes In Victory Over Griffins
12 different Spartans would record hits on the afternoon.
TAMPA, Fla. The University of Tampa baseball team delivered a 22 hit onslaught as they defeated Seton Hill University 17-3 Thursday afternoon at the UT Baseball Field. The Spartans improve their record to 12-1, while the Griffons now sit at 4-4.
Middle infielders Kevin Santa and Laz Rivera led the UT offense, as they each recorded four hits. Santa went a perfect 4-for-4, as the shortstop was just a double away from hitting for the cycle. The junior would also drive in four runs on the day and come around to score four as well.
Adrian Chacon and Ricky Negron would each add three RBI on the afternoon. Kyle Cotilletta would pick up his first career hit as he singled to left field in the bottom of the seventh.
The Spartans got things started early in the game as they would score five runs in the first inning. Casey Scoggins led the game off with a walk, followed by a Danny Lee double to give UT runners in scoring position with nobody out. Santa and Rivera would follow with back-to-back hits to give the Spartans a 2-0 advantage. Chacon would hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Santa. Negron would drive in the final two runs of the first inning, as the Designated Hitter singled to left field to plate Matt Piatt and Rivera.
Seton Hill would respond in the top of the second inning, as they got a run back as Colton Carney hit a home run to left field.
Tampa would then respond in the bottom half of the second inning as they hit around the order, scoring six runs on eight hits.
UT would add a run in the third, four runs in the fourth, and one run in the seventh.
12 different Spartans would record hit and eight would drive in at least one run.
Senior pitcher Michael Calkins would earn his first victory of the season, as the lefty went 5.0 innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Calkins would also strike out four Griffin batters.
Nick Nolan would pitch a scoreless three innings, allowing just two hits and striking out one. Kasey
Radke would pitch the final inning for UT.
Tampa will return to action tomorrow for a three-game South Region series against the Albany State University Golden Rams. Tomorrow game is scheduled for 6:00 pm, while the doubleheader on Saturday begins at noon.
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