Spartans Slug Past Artemisa as Cuba Trip Stays Perfect

HAVANA - The University of Tampa baseball team recorded its second win to remain perfect in Cuba, defeating Artemisa by a score of 13-5.

Artemisa featured a lineup that included several big-league level Cuban players. Head coach Joe Urso stated that "it was great competition but our guys really played well. We hit the ball well, pitched good and only committed one error."

The Spartans finished with 14 hits, including six doubles. Connor Obrochta, J.C. Coban, Zach Gawrych, Chris Pagliarulo, Nick Tindall and Giovanny Alfonzo each had a double. Three UT players had multiple hits as Tyler Ding, Coban and Pagliarulo each had two hits.

Trey Oest started for Tampa and picked up the win. He worked 3.0 innings, striking out two. Chase Sparkman (2.0 IP, 1 K), Taylor Brookes (1.0 IP, 1 K), Conner Andrews (1.0 IP, 2 K), Mark Wilush (1.0 IP) and Logan LaPace (1.0 IP, 2 K) also saw time on the mound.

Urso also stated that the trip is still going great and "the entire team is loving it."

Following are some quotes from some Spartan players along with Urso.

J.C. Coban: "The atmosphere was electric. Everybody in the town came out to support us just as much as the Cuban team."

Trey Oest: "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to pitch in Cuba. It was a great experience that not many people get to do. The team we played was very competitive but we came here to play."

Tyler Ding: "The stadium was electric and just a lot of fun to play baseball here."

Head Coach Joe Urso: "Today's game was really exciting. There was music playing loud. The baseball games are very exciting here. We also had some support as about 20 of the UT students here doing coursework showed up for the game. It was great for our guys to see their classmates here to support the team."