Spartans Open Up Conference Play with a Win

TAMPA, Fla. – The top-ranked Tampa Spartans open up Sunshine State Conference play with a win against visiting Florida Tech.

Final Score: No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans (10), Florida Tech Panthers (2)

Records: Tampa (10-1, 1-0 SSC), Florida Tech (11-2, 3-1 SSC)

Location: UT Baseball Field || Tampa, Fla. 

All-Time Series: The Spartans extend their winning streak against the Panthers to four wins in a row, adding to the total of 124 wins all-time.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

In the top of the first, the Panthers got one early on Haden Erbe | 1-0 Tech. The Spartans answered right back in the bottom of the first with a three run home run by E.J. Cumbo. A Nicholas Winkelmeyer single to the right side brought in another to extend the Spartans first inning lead | 4-1 Tampa. The Panthers added one by a triple from Parrish to cut the Spartan lead | 4-2 Tampa. Tampa struck back in the bottom of the third with back-to-back home runs. J.D. Urso hit his first collegiate home run to dead center that gave the Spartans three, Wikelmeyer followed with a solo shot that wrapped around the pole | 8-2 Tampa. Erbe's day was finished after 5.0 IP, LHP Cameron Sereda came in relief in the top of the sixth. Jamarcus Lyons drove in a run with an RBI groundout | 9-2 Tampa. RBI single to right by Jordan Lala solidified the lead | 10-2 Tampa. Alex Passarella cleaned up the ninth for the Spartans | Final: 10-2 Tampa.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Erbe wins his fourth straight in as many starts.
• Urso, Cumbo, and Winkelmeyer join in on the long ball.
• The 3-run home run from Urso marked his first collegiate round-tripper, which cleared the centerfield fence.
• Spartans win their ninth straight game.

UP NEXT: The Tampa Spartans finish up the series with the Panthers tomorrow with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at the UT Baseball Field.