TAMPA, Fla. -- Top-ranked Tampa came from behind to complete the series sweep of No.19 Nova Southeastern in Saturday’s doubleheader. The Spartans stole the first game 7-2 and the second 11-5, both in come from behind efforts.
With the pair of wins Tampa continues its impressive win streak to 11 games, while Nova Southeastern continues its struggles by losing its past nine contests. UT is now 42-2 in its illustrious season, including 17-1 in Sunshine State Conference competition, while Nova drops to 24-16, 8-13 in SSC play.
Power hitter Nick Tindall connected on his team-high 11th home run of the season in game two of the double header. He finished the day hitting an efficient 4-for-5 with five RBI, while crossing the plate three times. Outfielder Michael Danner blasted his 7th home run in game two, ending the game going 2-for-3 with three runs and three RBI.
The first matchup was a tightly contested ball game until the bottom of the eighth inning. With the score tied at 2-2, UT’s offense exploded for five runs. Nine different Spartans compiled base knocks in the first contest.
In Game 1, Spartan relief pitcher Kevin McNorton (6-0) picked up his second consecutive win, throwing the final two innings of the game. Starter Trey Oest came up with the no decision while pitching five innings, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out five batters.
Sharks reliever Ronald Patella (2-1) was tagged with the loss as he only threw two thirds of an inning, yielding five runs on four hits. Starting pitcher Dillon Frye pitched a solid six and two thirds innings, while allowing two runs on six hits, and striking out six batters.
The second contest was more of the same, with the Spartans taking the late lead in the fifth inning to pull off the come-from-behind victory. Tampa added a couple late insurance runs to keep in the sixth to keep the game out of Nova’s reach.
Starting ace Preston Packrall (7-0) continues his undefeated season by picking up the win, throwing six innings, while giving up two earned runs on six hits and striking out five. Reliever Josh Glick (1-3) struggled as he was tabbed with his second loss of the series, only throwing one and a third innings and giving up one earned run.
