Spartans Make History, Spilt Against PBA

TAMPA, Fla. –  The University of Tampa softball team spilt the double-header on Thursday evening, but the Spartans set a school record with their 19th straight victory in game one. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP (Game One):

Final: Tampa 2 (W: Makaleigh Dooley, 23-5), PBA 0 (L: Abbey Busby, 21-11)
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (29-9, 19-6 SSC), Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish (26-20, 14-11 SSC)
Location: Naimoli Family Stadium || Tampa, Fla.
All-Time Series: The Spartans lead the series, 15-12; Tampa swept the Saturday double-header last year at PBA, out-scoring the Sailfish 9-4. 
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Additionally, @Tampa_Softball on Twitter, and Instagram for social media content and scoring updates.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

BOT 3rd: The Spartans rattled off three straight singles to load the bases before Maddie Farrell walked in the go-ahead run. It was the 21st RBI of the year for Farrell, who leads the team in batting average. 

BOT 6th: Emalee Jansen caused a havoc on the base paths with a walk and two stolen bases which put her in scoring position. Stephanie Balmer registered an infield single to provide UT with an insurance run.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Dooley went the distance for the 22nd time this season, in her 26th start; the senior struck out 10 batters and did not allow a walk. The right-hander's struck out 10-plus in three of the last four games. 
• Balmer extended her hit streak to eight games, including a base-knock in 11 of the last 12 games, while Farrell has logged a base-hit in 16 of the last 20 games.
• Jansen recorded two stolen bases, the most by any player in a game this season. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The Spartans extended their winning streak to 19 games, the longest winning streak in school history.
• This was the 15th shut-out of the season for the Spartans.
• During the winning streak, Dooley has earned the last nine decisions.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP (Game Two):

Final: PBA 2 (W: Abbey Busby, 22-11), Tampa 0 (L: Makaleigh Dooley, 23-6)
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (29-10, 19-7 SSC), Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish (27-20, 15-11 SSC)
Location: Naimoli Family Stadium || Tampa, Fla.
All-Time Series: The Spartans lead the series, 15-13; Tampa swept the Saturday double-header last year at PBA, out-scoring the Sailfish 9-4. 
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Additionally, @Tampa_Softball on Twitter, and Instagram for social media content and scoring updates.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

TOP 6th: The Sailfish led off the inning with a bunt single, followed up by an infield single as a popped up bunt fell in front of a diving Emalee Jansen. With two runners on, PBA pinch hit for their three-hitter and laid down a bunt which loaded the bases. With the bases juiced, Maddie Biggs roped a line drive down the left field line and scored two runs to give PBA the late momentum. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Dooley recorded her 23rd complete game in her 27th start; she struck out 11 batters and did not allow a walk. The Wharton HS native has struck out 10-plus while not allowing a walk in the last three games. 
• Balmer a freshman shortstop, has registered a hit in 12 of the last 13 games including a current nine-game hit streak. In each of the last three games, the freshman has notched two hits apiece.
• Farrell has logged a base-hit in 17 of the last 21 games, increasing her season batting average to .306.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The Sailfish snapped the Spartans longest win streak in school history at 19 games. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa will complete the series against Palm Beach Atlantic on Friday morning with a 10:00am first pitch. 

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