Spartans Start Conference Play Against the Panthers

TAMPA, Fla. –  The top-ranked Tampa Spartans roll into Friday to play conference opponent, Florida Tech Panthers in a three-game series.

The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans vs. Florida Tech Panthers

Records: Tampa (9-1), Florida Tech (11-1)

Dates/Times: Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. (DH)

Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | 601 North Blvd. | Tampa, Fla.

About the Spartans: On Tuesday the Spartans extended their winning streak to eight games. J.D. Urso, Dan Sullivan, and Drew Ehrhard lead the Spartans with 10 RBI. The most likely starter for game one on Friday is Haden Erbe has totaled 15.0 IP, with 24 K's, and an ERA of 1.20. The Spartans are scoring on average 7.5 runs per game with a team ERA of 1.11. 

About the Panthers: After dropping their first game in a non-conference game to Rollins College, the Panthers find themselves winners of a 11-straight. They have scored a total of a 127 runs, while only allowing opponents to a total of 37. Outfielder Jakob Newton leads Tech with 15 RBI, also in plate appearances with 53, and has started in all 12 games. Right-hander Justin Lorenz has won all three of his starts this season, with an ERA of 0.53, a total of 17.0 IP, and an opponent's batting average of .143. Florida Tech has started their conference play already with a three game series against Barry University, where they swept the Buccaneers.

Series History: Tampa has faced off against the Panthers a total of 158, and the Spartans have taken a total of 123 of those games. In the last 10 games, the Spartans have won seven, and also have won the last three in a row.