No. 2 Spartans Secure Win in SSC Series Opener

Tampa, Fla.  – Jordan Lala's big night at the dish helps the No. 2 Spartans in the series opener.

Final Score: No. 2 University of Tampa Spartans (8), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (5)

Records: Tampa (15-3), Embry-Riddle (10-6)

Location: UT Baseball Field || Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa improves to 13-10 against the Eagles.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A rain delay began the evening, pushing the start time back until 7 p.m.
• The Spartans got on the board quickly in the first with a sac fly by J.D. Urso that scored Jordan Lala | 1-0 Spartans.
• The Eagles came right back with one of their own in the second, tying the ball game | 1-1 Tied.
• A double by Embry-Riddle's Traficante to right field tied the game for a second time | 2-2 Tied.
• The Spartans would go on to score two in innings four and five | 4-2 Spartans.
• An RBI single by Embry-Riddle's Reynolds got them with one | 4-3 Spartans.
• Two more in the sixth, and one in the seventh would be enough for the Spartans as the Eagles put two across in the eighth | Final: 8-5 Spartans.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Lala 4-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs, only needing a home run for the cycle.
• Michael Paul improves to 2-1 and went 6.0 IP, 7 K's, 3 ER, and 6 Hits allowed.
• Luis Rodriguez collected 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI, on 2 hits and a walk.
• Braydon Nelson gets the three-inning save in relief.
  
  

UP NEXT: The series finale doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.