No. 1 Tampa Set to Face Lynn for SSC Series
TAMPA, Fla. – The top-ranked University of Tampa baseball team is set to host Sunshine State Conference opponent Lynn University in a three-game series beginning Friday in Tampa.
The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans vs. Lynn University Fighting Knights
Date/Time: Friday at 6 p.m. | Saturday at 1 p.m.
Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | Tampa, Fla. | Directions
About the Spartans: The Spartans are coming off a three-game sweep at Barry University. UT outscored the No. 20 Buccaneers by a 24-7 margin in the series. Second baseman Drew Ehrhard found his stroke in the series, hitting at a .500 clip with a home run and three RBI. Teammates Danny Blair and Nick DeTringo added home runs for UT in Miami Shores. The UT pitching staff allowed just four earned runs against the Bucs with each of the three starters going 6-plus innings. The Spartan offense is led by leadoff hitter Yorvis Torrealba, who is hitting .384 with four home runs and 23 RBI. First baseman Alex Aleywine has hit seven home runs, as a total of 13 different Spartans have gone deep. The pitching rotation features ace Keven Pimentel, who is 6-1 on the season with a 3.12 ERA. In 49.0 innings of work, he has 48 strikeouts. Mason Duke is 7-0 with a 1.49 ERA while Tanner Foster brings a 3-2 record to go with a 3.47 ERA. Tyler Beck has emerged as the team's closer, registering five saves. The senior righthander has a 1.83 ERA in 19.2 innings of work with 24 strikeouts.
About the Fighting Knights: Head coach Rudy Garbalosa brings a 15-15 team to Tampa, along with an SSC record of 5-10. The Fighting Knights dropped two of three at home last weekend to Florida Southern after previously being swept by Lynn. Lynn also dropped two of three to Saint Leo and Eckerd while taking two of three against Rollins. Lynn boasts a trio of players with six home runs, including Alejandro Martinez, James Buckley and Shayne Fontana. Overall, seven of Lynn's starters are hitting .300-plus. The Fighting Knights have a team ERA of 5.38 with an expected rotation of Nicholis Prather (3-4, 4.26 ERA), Samuel Beck (1-1, 5.97 ERA) and Misael Castillo (2-0, 4.40 ERA). Zack Miednik (1-1, 4.97 ERA) could also get a start for Lynn.
Series History: Tampa brings a 74-24 record in the all-time series and has won 11 straight over the Fighting Knights. The last loss came on April 10, 2015 by a 5-3 score in Tampa. Additionally, Tampa has won 17 of the last 18 over Lynn.
Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens, and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.
Game Coverage: Fans may watch live at TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.
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