Tampa Sweeps Day One of the Embry-Riddle Invitational

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Tampa Defeats West Alabama and Valdosta State in Day One of the Embry-Riddle Invitational

Game One Final: West Alabama 2, No. 10 Tampa 6

Game Two Final: No. 10 Tampa 4, Valdosta State 2

Location: Radiology Associates Stadium | Daytona Beach, Fla

Game one:
Tampa took the early lead and started the game strong, scoring two runs in the first inning. Camryn Wineinger hit a two-run homer to center field, bringing in Lilly Kiester. In the second inning, Lexie Chevalier added to Tampa's lead with a sacrifice fly, allowing Avery Perkins to score. Tampa maintained their lead throughout the game with consistent hitting and solid defense.

West Alabama faced difficulties in generating offense against Tampa's pitching. They were held scoreless until the seventh inning. However, it was too little too late for West Alabama, as they fell short in their comeback attempt.

Mariah Galhouse, delivered an impressive performance, allowing only two runs on four hits in seven innings. Galhouse showcased excellent control, striking out seven batters without issuing any walks. On the other hand, West Alabama's pitchers struggled to contain Tampa's offense, giving up a total of six runs on seven hits.

Tampa's offense was led by Camryn Wineinger, who hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and Lexie Chevalier, who contributed with a sacrifice fly and two doubles, bringing in a total of three runs. Avery Perkins also had a strong performance, hitting a double and scoring two runs. West Alabama's offense was led by Marissa Mitchell, who had a double and an RBI.

Tampa's dominant performance on both offense and defense led them to a 6-2 victory over West Alabama. Tampa's hitters showcased their power, while their pitchers effectively shut down West Alabama's offense. This win improves Tampa's record to 4-1, while West Alabama falls to 4-2. Both teams will look to build on this game as they continue their season.

Game two:
Valdosta State started strong in the first inning when M. Irvis scored on a single by A. Sulte. However, Tampa quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, with Lauren Fantone crossing the plate on a sacrifice fly by Megan deVillier, tying the score at 1-1.

Tampa took the lead in the second inning when Stephanie Balmer singled to left field, bringing Kenzie Reynolds home. Valdosta State fought back in the third inning as M. Hill hit a home run to right field, leveling the score at 2-2.

In the following innings, Tampa's offense continued to shine. In the third inning, Camryn Wineinger scored on a double by Mariah Galhouse, giving Tampa a 3-2 lead. They extended their lead in the fourth inning when Lilly Kiester doubled to left field, allowing Lauren Fantone to score, making it 4-2 in favor of Tampa.

Both teams displayed solid defense throughout the game, with Valdosta State committing only one error and Tampa committing one as well.

Pitching played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. Tampa's pitcher, Gwen McGinnis, delivered an impressive performance, allowing only two runs on seven hits in seven innings. She struck out nine batters and earned the win.

On the other side, Valdosta State's pitcher, N. Zenteno, pitched six innings, allowing four runs on six hits.

Tampa's strong pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference in the game, securing their fifth win of the season. 

UP NEXT: The Spartans take on West Alabama and Valdosta State again tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in day two of the Embry-Riddle Invitational