Tampa Takes One From Valdosta State

Box score

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The No. 9 University of Tampa Spartans split the final two games of the series against Valdosta State University, losing the first matchup 7-6 and winning the second 5-2. Sunday's first game was a continuation of Saturday's game two which was postponed due to rain. The 1-2 weekend drops the Spartans to an overall record of 12-6, while the Blazers improve to 11-8 on the year.

The first game picked up in the top of the sixth. UT could not collect a run off Valdosta's Brandon Graves (3-0), who pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win. The Blazers loaded the bases in their half of the seventh before Clayton Cain dropped a single into center field to give VSU the walk-off victory.

Sunday's regularly scheduled game was equally as close. The Blazers got on the board in the first off Tampa starter John Wiedenbauer (3-0) and picked up another run in the third, but that's all the lefty would allow through seven innings of work. Wiedenbauer struck out nine Blazer batters while walking just two.

Down 0-2 in the fifth, Tyler Cox roped a one-out single to left before left fielder Nick Nordgren doubled to right center. With both runners in scoring position, Correy Figueroa collected an RBI groundout to pull the Spartans to within one.

In the seventh, catcher Mike Bourdon was hit with the first pitch of the inning and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Cox. Nordgren followed it up with single to drive in Bourdon and tie the contest. After he stole second, Nordgren came around to score on a single by Figueroa, his second RBI of the game, to give the Spartans their first lead of the day.

After Steven Broschofsky reached on an error, Devin Gonzalez singled and Cox walked to load the bases for Nordgren, who doubled to left for his second and third runs batted in on the day. Jesus Barroso walked to reload the bases before designated hitter Mike Schwartz was hit by the pitch to force in the third run of the inning, giving Tampa a 6-2 lead.

Junior transfer Alex Koronis entered in the eighth for Wiedenbauer to throw two scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. He struck out two and walked one to seal the win for Wiedenbauer.

Tampa returns home this week with a full schedule. The Spartans will play Monday against Saint Anselm at 1 p.m. and Tuesday against Shippensburg in a 4 p.m. doubleheader. UT will offer live stats through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores through the website, a free service that sends text messages on Spartan athletic events.