Eagles Take Rubber Game From Spartans In Extra Innings
ERAU recorded a walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th inning.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The second-ranked University of Tampa wrapped up its non-conference series against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Saturday afternoon. After the Spartans rallied in the ninth inning to force extra innings, the Eagles would get the final run of the game as they won 11-10 in walk-off fashion for the second consecutive day.
The loss moves UT to 22-6 on the season and ERAU improves to 20-11.
Tampa was able to jump on the Eagles early in the game as they scored three runs in the opening frame. They would get an RBI from Vin Cosenzo and two more on a Chris Gaffney single.
In the bottom half of the fifth inning with the Spartans leading 4-2, the Eagle would grab its first lead of the game as they scored five runs on four hits to take the 7-4 advantage.
In the top of the seventh the lead changed hand again when UT pushed across three runs to get back on top at 8-7. Cody deNoyelles and Danny Lee recorded RBI in the inning, while J.D. Osborne helped produce the third run of the inning.
The lead would not last long however, as the Eagles would add two runs in the bottom of the seventh and another in the eight to head into the ninth inning with a 10-8 lead.
For the second consecutive game Tampa would rally in the ninth inning to tie the game back up. With runners on first and third, Osborne took the first pitch he saw and doubled to left centerfield, bringing around Casey Scoggins and Lee.
In the bottom half of the 10th inning Enderson Velasquez doubled to left field and came around to score the winning run on a Jonathan Camp single.
Chris McCormick earned the start for UT, going 4.0 innings. Nick Nolan was the most effective reliever from the bullpen as he went a perfect 1.1 innings.
Osborne, Gaffney, and Laz Rivera each added two RBI on the night. deNoyelles and Osborne each picked up two hits to lead the Spartans.
Tampa will be back in action Friday, April 1 when they welcome Florida Tech for a three-game Sunshine State Conference series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
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