Tampa Set to Host Last Weekend Series of 16-game Homestand
TAMPA, Fla. – The top-ranked Tampa Spartans have their last three-game series, of the 16-game homestand with Mississippi College Choctaws.
The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans vs. Mississippi College Choctaws
Records: Tampa (13-1, SSC 3-0), Mississippi College (5-10, GSC 3-3)
Dates/Times: Friday 3 p.m. (DH), Saturday 1 p.m.
Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | 601 North Blvd. | Tampa, Fla.
About the Spartans: With the last weekend's series sweep against conference opponent Florida Tech Panthers, the Spartans improved their home record to 11-0, and have found themselves winners of their last 12 games. The Panthers heading into that series had only let up 37 runs in their first 12 games and the Spartans tacked 38 runs on them in the three-game series. This week's Sunshine State Conference player of the week belonged to J.D. Urso. Urso is entering the series leading the everyday starters in batting average, with .421 and also RBI with 21 in the 12 games he has played in. RHP Haden Erbe is expected to be the game one starter for the Spartans. On the bump for the Spartans he has totaled 20.0 IP in four starts, winning all four, with a 1.35 ERA, and 31 K's.
About the Choctaws: Heading into the series, the Choctaws have faced five ranked opponents in their start on the 2022 campaign, the top-ranked Spartans will become number six for them. Cody Crifasi leads the Choctaws in batting average with of .362, and is in second in hits with 17 behind Ken Scott and Markarius Lee who both have 18. Mississippi College isn't afraid to put the ball over the fence with eight homeruns in 15 games. Outfielder and Mississippi native Ken Scott leads the Choctaws with three homeruns. Expected friday starter is Joesph Cuomo who is 1-3 on the year with a 3.42 ERA. His last start he went 9.0 IP, with eight K's, only allowing five hits, no earned runs, and received the lost against Christian Brothers.
Series History: The two programs have only seen each other once before dating back to May 22, 2018, Tampa was ranked #5 at the time. The Spartans took that one by a score of 7-1, in Lakeland, Fla. at Henley Field.