Spartans Heading Back to Cary With South Region Title
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | X | 5 | 9 | 2 |
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The University of Tampa baseball team punched its ticket back to the NCAA Division II National Championship Series with a 5–4 victory over No. 1 seed University of West Florida on Friday night at Jim Spooner Field.
With the win, the Spartans improved to 46–8 overall and captured the NCAA South Super Regional title, advancing to the national championship finals at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina from May 29–June 6.
The two-time defending national champions will now have the opportunity to become the first NCAA Division II baseball program to win three consecutive national titles.
The victory also marked Tampa's 22nd NCAA South Regional/Super Regional championship. The Spartans own an NCAA Division II-best 10 national championships.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Tampa 5, West Florida 4
Records: Tampa (46–8), West Florida (43–16)
Location: Jim Spooner Field | Pensacola, Fla.
HOW IT HAPPENED
West Florida struck first with two runs in the opening inning on a two-run single by William Lybrook.
Tampa answered immediately in the bottom half. Jordan Evans singled to begin the inning before Brayden Woodburn walked and Jake Books doubled to center field. Walker Vanecek followed with a two-run single to tie the game at 2–2.
The score remained tied until the sixth inning when Jhoander Irigoyen doubled into the gap and later scored on an RBI single from Gunnett Carlson to give the Spartans a 3–2 advantage.
West Florida reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning, capitalizing on two hits and a Tampa error to move in front 4–3.
The Spartans responded immediately in the bottom half with another clutch rally. Jake Books singled to start the inning before Jesse Ponce delivered a game-tying RBI single through the left side. Two batters later, Jack Martinez lined an RBI single into left field to score Dennis McCaffery with the eventual game-winning run.
Luke Fikar closed the door in the ninth inning, striking out the final batter to secure Tampa's return trip to Cary.
ON THE MOUND
B.J. Bailey turned in another strong postseason outing, allowing three runs over 7.1 innings while striking out six.
Luke Fikar earned the win in relief, tossing the final 1.2 innings while allowing one run and striking out three.
TOP PERFORMERS
Jake Books: 2-for-4, double, 2 runs scored — ignited multiple scoring rallies
Walker Vanecek: 1-for-4, 2 RBI — tied the game with first-inning single
Jesse Ponce: 2-for-3, RBI, walk — delivered game-tying hit in eighth inning
Jack Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI — drove in eventual winning run
Gunnett Carlson: 1-for-3, RBI — gave Tampa sixth-inning lead
Jhoander Irigoyen: double, run scored — sparked go-ahead rally
Brayden Woodburn: 2 walks, run scored — reached base twice at top of lineup
Jordan Evans: 1-for-5 — leadoff hit to begin first-inning rally
Nik Pereira: pinch-hit walk — helped set up winning rally
Dennis McCaffery: pinch-run scored winning run in eighth inning
Pitching:
B.J. Bailey: 7.1 IP, 3 ER, 6 K — dominant start in clinching game
Luke Fikar (W, 2–0): 1.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 K — closed out super regional title
NOTES
Tampa advances to the NCAA Division II Championship Series for another opportunity to compete for a national title after winning the previous two NCAA championships.
The Spartans are seeking to become the first program in NCAA Division II baseball history to win three consecutive national championships.
Tournament schedules and championship information will be announced following the completion of regional play and can be found at NCAA Division II Baseball Championship Central
UP NEXT
Tampa advances to the NCAA Division II National Championship Series at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina from May 29–June 6.