Spartans To Tackle Golden Rams in Weekend Series

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 1 University of Tampa baseball team is set to welcome Albany State University for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader Friday beginning at 3 p.m. at the UT Baseball Field.

The Spartans enter the series with an 8-1 overall record after taking their previous road series 2-1 over No. 3 Georgia College. In Tampa's last outing, UT trounced the Bobcats 13-0 as center fielder Connor Obrochta led the charge with three hits and four RBI, including a solo home run. Catcher Nick Tindall and utility man Tyler Ding each tallied a long-ball in the rout.

Senior Michael Danner and junior Tindall share the team lead with three homers while senior Obrochta owns runs (11) and RBI (10).

The Spartan pitching staff own a 3.35 ERA as five hurlers own sub 3.00 earned run average, including sophomore starter David Heintz (3-0, 1.20 ERA) and reliever Preston Packrall (1-0, 0.75 ERA). The UT bullpen is led by Brett Jones and Kevin McNorton, as the duo are both sporting a perfect 0.00 ERA and a pair of saves apiece.

The Golden Rams of ASU have a 5-9 record and are coming off a 7-1 win over Georgia Southwestern. ASU center fielder Reise McDaniel and second baseman Ryan Latner both recorded multiple hits during the win as McDaniel also scored a pair of RBI.

The Spartans own a 2-0 all-time record against the Golden Rams, the most recent being a 4-2 road victory on Feb. 28th, 2013.

Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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