Tampa Baseball Wins First Game of Cuban Trip

HAVANA, Cuba - Playing in its first game during its Cuba trip, the University of Tampa baseball team picked up a 2-1 victory over Las Habanas on Wednesday.

"This was a great baseball game with outstanding pitching," says head coach Joe Urso.

Brad Hencke started for Tampa and threw 2.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Jake Mielock entered for 2.0 innings, notching one strikeout. Senior Preston Packrall earned the win, going 3.0 innings with two strikeouts. Kevin McNorton came in for the save, throwing 2.0 innings with three strikeouts. The lone Las Habanas run was unearned.

Michael Danner had the first Spartan hit of the trip, which was one of seven for UT. Chris Pagliarulo added a double as Orlando Rivera, Quinn Pippin, Stephen Dezzi, Dalton Hughes and Giovanny Alfonzo also had hits.

The first Tampa run of the trip came on a two-out RBI by Rivera as the second was a bases loaded walk that Alfonzo drew.

Ben Johnson came up with a diving play up the middle in the ninth inning. The second baseman saved at least one run as the Spartans escaped a bases loaded jam in the final frame. The lone unearned run, which came on an error, was followed by a 2-3 minute confrontation between Urso and the umpire.

The play of the day came from the Cuban team when the shortstop made a diving play in the hole. He received a standing ovation as Urso pointed out "that each of the outfielders went over to personally high five the shortstop after the great play. This was really great to see, even from the opposing side."

Following are some quotes from UT players.

Preston Packrall: "It was a blessing and an honor to play the Cuban team today. I will remember this visit for the rest of my life."

Brad Hencke: "This was a great learning experience. Getting to see how much they love the game is something that we all appreciate."

Michael Danner: "It was an honor and a great experience to play today. The entire trip has been amazing."

Orlando Rivera: "I am having so much fun, and enjoying every part of the trip. I hope that I get to visit Cuba again during my lifetime."

The Spartans will be back in action on Friday at 10:30 a.m., against the Artemisa Hunters. Please visit TampaSpartans.com for updates from UT Baseball.