Spartans Walk Off for Series Win Over No.19 Lions

TAMPA, Fla. –  The University of Tampa softball team wrapped up their series with the No.19 Saint Leo Lions with a Saturday afternoon doubleheader. The Spartans walked off in the first game of the day 1-0 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The Lions were able to avoid a sweep by taking the final game 2-0 over UT.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP (Game One):

Final: Tampa 1 (W: Makaleigh Dooley 23-10), No.19 Saint Leo 0 (L: Alison Mitts 11-7) 
Records: Spartans (25-15, 16-10 SSC), Lions (31-12, 15-11 SSC)
Location: Naimoli Family Stadium | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: UT trails in the all-time series against Saint Leo 64-59.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

Bott. 7th: Taylor Farrell singled down the left field line to start the rally going for Tampa as they looked to end the game in regulation. Alex Walton came into the game as a pinch-runner and moved into scoring position on a successful sacrifice bunt by Cristina Clauberg. Lauren Pascoe stepped into the batter's box and sent a line drive back towards Mitts that deflected off the pitcher. The third baseman tried to pick up the ball but was not in time as Walton was waved home on the play and scored before the tag. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Dooley put in another great performance in the circle, going the full seven innings allowing no runs on six hits with no walks and six more strikeouts. 
• Pascoe went 2 for 3 at the plate with the biggest hit coming in the final inning.
• Mitts pitched the final 3.2 innings after coming on in relief of Auria Mounts.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The Spartans shutout the Lions offense for the second game in a row as the strong defense kept Saint Leo off the board.
• The complete game for Dooley was her 27th of the season in 29 starts.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP (Game Two):

Final: Tampa 0 (L: Makaleigh Dooley 23-11), Saint Leo 2 (W: Sara Neuman 6-0) 
Records: Spartans (25-16, 16-11 SSC), Lions (32-11, 16-11 SSC)
Location: Naimoli Family Stadium | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: UT trails in the all-time series against Saint Leo 65-59.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Top 4th: The Lions scored their first run of the series in the top half of the inning for a 1-0 lead.  

Top 5th: SLU added an insurance run in the inning. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• The two teams combined for 11 runners left on base.
• Sahrina Cortes finished the game 2 for 3 at the plate.
• Dooley was able to draw two walks in the game.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Tampa has taken the series from Saint Leo the last two seasons, going 5-1 in those games.

UP NEXT:

The team will be back on the field next weekend as they wrap up the regular season with a three-game series against the Eckerd College Tritons. The Friday night opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the Saturday doubleheader will start at 1 p.m. The five seniors on the team will be recognized in between games on Saturday afternoon.

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