Spartans Fall Short in Opener of Supers

TAMPA, Fla. – The #1 University of Tampa Spartans fall in the Super Regional opener to Embry-Riddle.

Final: #3 Embry-Riddle Eagles 15, #1 Tampa Spartans 9

Records: Tampa (46-8), Embry-Riddle (35-20)

Location: UT Baseball Field | Tampa, Fla. 

All-Time Series: Despite the loss, the Spartans have an edge over the Eagles with a record of 17-12.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• With two outs and two men on Santiago Garavito worked the Emby-Riddle pitcher to a full count before ripping the ball down the left field line to bring home E.J. Cumbo and Anthony Nunez. Bot 1 | 2-1 Tampa
• After a leadoff bomb to the right-center off of the bat of Stephen Klein, J.P. Gates walked, Garavito doubled, and Mike Valdez tripled to the right center to bring home Gates and Garavito. Bot 6 | 13-5 Embry-Riddle
• Nico Saladino and Cumbo would smash two 2-run bombs to cut into the Eagle's lead. Bot 8 | 15-9 Embry-Riddle

AT THE PLATE:

• Cumbo: 4-4, BB, 2 RBI's, & 2 R's.
• Valdez: 2-4, BB, & 2 RBI's.
• Garavito: 2-5, 2 RBI's, & R.
• Klein: 2-5, RBI, & R.

ON THE MOUND:

• Alex Canney started on the mound. He threw 3.2 innings, giving up 7 runs while striking out 6. Canney is now 12-3 on the season.
• Eli Thurmond came in relief for Canney. He threw 1.2 innings, giving up 5  runs while striking out 2.
• Steven Rojas came in relief for Thurmond. He threw 3 innings, giving up 2 runs while striking out 3.
•  Drew Howard came in relief for Rojas. He got 2 outs via strikeout.

UP NEXT: #1 Tampa will look to clinch a berth in the World Series as they look to sweep the two possible games tomorrow over Embry-Riddle. Game 1 will be at 1:00 PM. If necessary, game 2 will be at 5:00 PM.