Spartans Dominate Moccasins in Doubleheader
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 13 University of Tampa (22-8, 10-5 SSC) softball team won a pair of games against Florida Southern College (12-21, 4-8 SSC) in a doubleheader at Naimoli Family Field on Friday afternoon.
Junior Kayla Cox started game one and earned the victory. She tossed a complete 5.0 innings with six strikeouts and allowing one hit.
A scoreless game carried through the fourth inning when the Spartan offense exploded for six runs. Kandi Kuder started the rally with an RBI base hit that scored Taylor Storey. With two outs in the inning Brie Walton extended the frame with an infield single that scored Katlyn Raatz. Meagan Burke added some insurance with a two RBI single following back to back walks issued to Kayleen Boatwright and pinch hitter Chelsey Brooks.
Boatwright doubled home pinch runner Jenna Halper to extend the Tampa lead. Pinch hitter Taylor Collins followed with an RBI base hit that scored Lindsay Dring.
The game ended after five innings as a result of the run rule.
Julia Morrow started the second game where she went 2.2 innings with two strikeouts and allowing two runs on five hits. Cox entered the game in relief and pitched the final 4.1 innings. She earned her 17th win of the year and now holds an overall record of 17-4.
The Moccasins took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Jordan Alexander delivered an RBI single that plated Gianni Artidello. She came around to score on an RBI base hit by Heather Brinkmeier that gave Florda Southern the early advantage.
Tampa responded promptly with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Stacy Piagno blasted a two RBI triple that scored Boatwright and Katie Bannon. She came around to score on a double off the bat of Storey to give the Spartans a 3-2 lead.
The Spartans plated a run in the bottom of the second as a result of a defensive fielding error.
Burke added some insurance in the fourth as she doubled down the left field to score Brie Walton.
Raatz scored on a defensive fielding error in the fifth to give Tampa a 6-2 advantage.
The Moccasins chipped away at the Spartan advantage in the top of the seventh. Dayna Hunn plated Khaliah Brown on an RBI infield single. Leah Pemberton followed with an RBI single that cut the lead to 6-4, which would be the eventual final score.
UT will return to action Friday evening for the first of a three game set at Eckerd. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.
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