Mocs Can’t Catch-Up to Heintz

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - Behind a masterful pitching performance from David Heintz, the No.1 ranked University of Tampa baseball team propelled to a 4-1 win over rival No.16 Florida Southern College Friday night. With the win the Spartans improve to 30-1 with a pristine 10-0 in Sunshine State Conference play, while the Mocs drop to 21-10 and 4-3 in the SSC.

UT extends its win streak to 23 consecutive games as head coach Joe Urso (597-177-1) sits three games away from his 600th career victory.

Tampa scored the game's first runs during the fourth inning when Giovanny Alfonzo began the inning with a lead-off double down the left field line. Slugger Stephen Dezzi then followed up the shortshop with an RBI single to center. Tampa added another run in the inning to go up 2-0.

In the seventh the Spartans used small ball to extend their lead to 4-0. Alfonzo ended the game going 2-for-4, while providing UT with spectacular defensive plays. First baseman Sean O'Brien flashed his defensive skills to back up the Spartans pitching staff.

Starting pitcher Heintz (6-0) threw eight and a third innings, while only giving up five hits, one run and striking out five batters. Closer Kevin McNorton picked up his seventh save on the season by pitching the last two outs for the Spartans.

Florida Southern pitcher Clay Chapman (3-3) was tabbed with the loss after throwing eight innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs.

Tampa will conclude its series with Florida Southern in doubleheader fashion Saturday, first game set to begin at 1 p.m. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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