No. 2 Tampa Sweeps Saturday Doubleheader to Claim Series Over Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. — The No. 2 University of Tampa baseball team responded after Friday's series‑opening loss by sweeping a Sunshine State Conference doubleheader with Florida Southern on Saturday at Tampa Baseball Field.

The Spartans improved to 28–5 overall and 14–1 in SSC play, rebounding with a 12–1 victory in the opener before closing the weekend with a 9–4 win in the nightcap to secure the series.

Game 1: Tampa 12, Florida Southern 1

Tampa wasted no time regaining momentum, erupting offensively to take the early control in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader.

The Spartans opened the scoring in the first inning and broke the game open in the second and third, highlighted by a massive day from Jhoander Irigoyen, who drove in six runs on a home run, a double, and a groundout. Tampa scored nine times across the first three innings and never looked back.

Jordan Evans and Brayden Woodburn each scored three runs, while Jake Books went 3‑for‑3 with two RBI. Tampa finished with 14 hits and took advantage of Florida Southern miscues throughout the afternoon.

On the mound, B.J. Bailey was dominant, allowing just two hits over seven shutout innings before Josiah Velazquez finished the game in relief.

Top Performers — Game 1

• B.J. Bailey (W, 9–0): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K — controlled the game from start to finish.
• Jhoander Irigoyen: 2‑for‑5, 6 RBI, HR, double — powered the offense in the early innings.
• Jordan Evans: 3‑for‑5, 2 RBI, 3 runs — sparked the lineup.
• Brayden Woodburn: 3‑for‑3, RBI, 3 runs — reached base in all five plate appearances.
• Jake Books: 3‑for‑3, 2 RBI — perfect day at the plate.

Game 2: Tampa 9, Florida Southern 4

The series finale saw Florida Southern strike first, but Tampa answered with timely offense and strong pitching to pull away late.

After Florida Southern scored in the first, the Spartans responded with a three‑run third inning highlighted by a three‑RBI double from Nik Pereira, flipping the game's momentum. Tampa continued to add on steadily, using sacrifice flies, timely doubles, and aggressive baserunning to keep the Moccasins at arm's length.

Jake Books delivered a two‑run double in the eighth to provide key insurance, while Tampa's pitching staff held Florida Southern to just five hits.

John Luke Glanton earned the win with six strong innings, allowing three runs (one earned), before Luke Fikar closed out the final three frames to record the save.

Top Performers — Game 2

• John Luke Glanton (W, 8–1): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 ER), 6 K — set the tone early.
• Nik Pereira: 2‑for‑4, 4 RBI — delivered the difference‑making swing in the third.
• Jake Books: 3‑for‑5, 2 RBI — provided late breathing room with an eighth‑inning double.
• Jhoander Irigoyen: 3‑for‑5, 3 runs scored — reached base consistently.
• Luke Fikar (Sv, 4): 3.0 IP, 1 R, 2 K — locked down the finish.

Up Next

Tampa returns to Tampa Baseball Field on Tuesday to host Valdosta State in a midweek matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.