TAMPA RESPONDS WITH A CONVINCING WIN AGAINST VALDOSTA STATE AFTER NARROW LOSS TO WEST ALABAMA

Daytona Beach, Fla. - No. 10 Tampa ends the Embry-Riddle Invitational with a convincing win.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Game One Final: West Alabama 5 ⎮ No. 10 Tampa 4

Game Two Final: No.10 Tampa 14 ⎮ Valdosta State 0

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME ONE:

• The game between Tampa and West Alabama showcased the competitiveness and skill of both teams. West Alabama managed to secure a narrow victory, thanks to strong pitching performances and timely hitting. The game was filled with exciting moments and demonstrated the talent and determination of both sides.
• The second inning proved to be crucial for Tampa as Mariah Galhouse hit a home run, giving the Spartans an early lead. Lauren Fantone added to Tampa's score with a double, bringing in two runs.
• West Alabama fought back in the bottom of the second with Mary Grace Sheffield reaching first on a throwing error, allowing Eleanor De Block and Ann Marie Stanbridge to score.
• In the third inning, West Alabama's Marissa Mitchell hit a sacrifice fly, bringing in Kelsie Gilliam to tie the game. Stanbridge then hit a home run, giving West Alabama a one-run lead. Tampa managed to equalize in the fourth inning when Steph Balmer singled, and Kenzie Reynolds scored on a throwing error.
• The game remained tied until the seventh inning when Mitchell singled, bringing in the winning run for West Alabama. ⎮ Final: West Alabama 5, No. 10 Tampa 4

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Mary Beth Feldman earned 37 strikes out of 60 pitches in 2.2 innings pitched.
• Gwen McGinnis earned 37 strikes out of 59 pithces in 3.2 innings pitched.
• Galhouse recorded two hits with a home run and a RBI. 

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME TWO:

• In last game of the Embry-Riddle Invitational Tampa showcased their dominance against Valdosta State. Tampa's offensive prowess, combined with a strong pitching performance, led to a resounding 14-0 victory.
• Right from the start, Tampa's offense demonstrated its power. In the first inning, the Spartans quickly took a 4-0 lead with an RBI single from Mariah Galhouse. The team capitalized on defensive errors by Valdosta State, extending their lead to 7-0 in the third inning with a three-run homer by freshman Kinnah Kreidler. The Spartans continued to pile on the runs, scoring in every inning and finishing with a total of 14 runs
• Pitcher Kate DeSimone played a crucial role in Tampa's victory, delivering a stellar performance in the circle. DeSimone pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only four hits and no runs over five innings. Her control and accuracy were evident as she issued no walks and struck out one batter. DeSimone's commanding presence kept Valdosta State's offense at bay throughout the game.
• Valdosta State faced an uphill battle against Tampa's dominant performance. Their offense struggled to find momentum, with only four hits in the entire game. The Blazers' defense also faltered, committing five errors that contributed to Tampa's commanding lead. Valdosta State's pitching staff faced a tough challenge. ⎮ Final: No. 10 Tampa 14, Valdosta State 0

INSIDE THE STATS:

• DeSimone earned her first win of the 2024 season throwing 44 strikes out of 59 pitches, only allowing four hits, giving up zero runs. 
• Galhouse: 3-4 with three RBIs
• Chevalier: 2-2 with four RBIs
• Kreidler: 1-2 with three RBIs

UP NEXT: Tampa Spartans open up conference play hosting Lynn University Fighting Knights.