By Terry Hunsicker
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa men’s baseball team swept Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in a three-game series by scores of 9-1, 4-3, and 10-0 over the weekend of March 21. The Spartans are now 9-0 in the Sunshine State Conference.
All three games of the series ended in different innings, with the first game ending by a score of 9-1 after nine innings, the second game ending with a walk-off hit by graduate designated hitter J.D. Urso in the bottom of the tenth inning, and a 10-0 win in the third game that was called after seven innings via the 10-run rule.
“Took a nice seventy-five percent swing in the middle of the field,” said J.D. Urso on his walk-off hit. “I believe my first walk-off hit of my career, so always, always happy to get that.”
Junior second baseman Brayden Woodburn hit his second home run of the season in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings in the second game, allowing the Spartans to score the winning run an inning later.
After the win over Embry-Riddle, the Spartans are at the top of the Sunshine State Conference standings with an undefeated conference record. Their next series is away against the second-ranked team in the conference, Florida Southern, which is on a five-game winning streak.
“Got a really good matchup with our rival Florida Southern,” said Spartans head coach Joe Urso. “Expect, you know, good baseball, and hopefully we can win the series.”
The Spartans returned to their home field after traveling to California to play Cal State San Marcos in a four-game series, winning three. They then traveled to Palm Beach Atlantic for a three-game conference series, sweeping the Sailfish.
Urso said the players bonded during the road trip but were excited to return home.
The Embry-Riddle Eagles have also seen success on the road, entering the series with a 9-2 record in away games and having a 7-5 record at home.
“Maybe getting outside the elements of the comfort of home is a benefit to this club,” said Eagles head coach Dave Therneau.
Graduate starting pitcher C.J. Williams started Friday night’s game instead of senior starting pitcher Skylar Gonzalez, who pitched in the second game since Gonzalez is still recovering from the flu. Urso said the plan was to give Gonzalez an extra day’s rest and get him to pitch at least five innings.
Williams pitched eight innings, allowing only one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters. Gonzalez pitched six innings, allowing only one run on three hits and two walks but only struck out three batters.
“We do feel very fortunate that we feel like we have two number ones with him and Williams; they’re both throwing well,” said Urso.
Embry-Riddle had thirteen different pitchers during the series and made ten pitching changes during the games. In the bottom of the tenth of the second game, three pitchers played in one inning for Embry-Riddle.
Senior reliever Joe Balsam started the tenth, allowing a leadoff hit by senior third baseman Kevin Karstetter. Sophomore center fielder Maddox King grounded out, allowing Karstetter to advance to second base. Graduate left fielder Jordan Williams was intentionally walked.
Junior left-handed relief pitcher Spencer Marinac was then put into the game, where he walked senior pinch hitter Mike Valdez with four pitches to load the bases. Marinac was then lifted for junior right-handed relief pitcher Gunnar Harrison, who allowed the winning hit by J.D. Urso.
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Thumbnail Image Caption: J.D. Urso watches his walk-off hit in the Spartans 4-3 win against Embry-Riddle on Saturday, March 22.