Spartans Sweep USC-Aiken

AIKEN, S.C. – The #1 University of Tampa Spartans sweep South Carolina Aiken!

Final: #1 Tampa Spartans 11, South Carolina Aiken Pacers 4

Records: Tampa (13-0), South Carolina Aiken (3-10)

Location: Roberto Hernandez Stadium | Aiken, S.C. 

All-Time Series: The Spartans have won all three games over the Pacers.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After Jake Griffith walked and Mike Valdez reached on a fielder's choice, the Spartans were in business with first and third and two outs. The Spartans pulled the old double steal, and Griffith would score. Top 1 | 1-0 Tampa
• Santiago Garavito would get into one and put it over the right field fence. Top 2 | 2-0 Tampa
• After Garavito led off the inning with a single, Nico Saladino smashed one to right field in back-to-back days to break the tie score. Valdez would, later in the inning, bring home E.J. Cumbo with a double. Top 7 | 5-2 Tampa
• The Spartans had first and second after an Anthony Nunez single and a Saladino walk. Cumbo would single to bring home Nunez, followed by a Girffith singe to bring home Saladino, and then Stephen Klein put the nail in the coffin with a 3-run bomb to right field. Top 8 | 10-2 Tampa
• T.J. Palma would come around to score on a ground out. Top 9 | 11-4 Tampa

AT THE PLATE:

• Saladino: 3-4, 2 RBI's, 2 R's, & BB.
• Garavito: 2-5 (HR), 2 RBI's, & 2 R's
• Klein: 2-3, 3 RBI's, R, & BB.
• Cumbo: 2-4, RBI, 2 R's, & BB.

ON THE MOUND:

• Jake Stipp started the game. He pitched 3 perfect innings while striking out 2.
• Tobin Moran followed, throwing 4.1 innings and picking up his third win of the season on his b-day.
• Drew Howard came into the eight to retire the final two outs with a double play ball.
• Nunez closed the door, throwing a scoreless ninth and striking out 2.

UP NEXT: #1 Tampa will start their trek home tomorrow but will stop in Albany, Georgia, to take on Albany State at 2:00 PM.