DeSimone's Complete Game Shutout Lifts Tampa Over SHU

Tampa, Fla. – The University of Tampa Softball program kicked off the NCAA South Regional this afternoon as the No. 1 seed in the region. The Spartans earned the right to host the regional and welcomed Spring Hill College of the SIAC for game one. The Spartans are no strangers to this stage with the program reaching the postseason for over five straight years. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa Spartans 41-8, Spring Hill Badgers 32-21

Location: Namoli Family Stadium l Tampa, Fla

History: Today's matchup was the first time these two programs have faced off. With the win, the Spartans take a 1-0 lead in the all-time series.  

Final: Tampa 4, Spring Hill 0

HOW IT HAPPENED:

To begin this highly anticipated regional, Spring Hill wasted no time earning their first hit of the game. The Badgers leadoff hammered a double over the head of the Spartan center fielder for a double in the first at-bat of the day. The Tampa starter in the circle Kate DeSimone was unfazed by giving up the leadoff double, battling back to strand the base runner on third. In the bottom of the first, Alexa Russo earned the Spartans first base hit of the afternoon. The next two batters (Galhouse and Sulte) each drew walks to load the bases but Tampa was unable to bring home the game's first run. Back in the circle for the second inning, DeSimone got the leadoff batter to fly out before inducing back to back ground balls for a 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom half, the Spartans got right back to work at the plate with DeSimone drawing a leadoff walk. The next Spartan hitter Kelsey Winters made something out of nothing as she legged out an infield hit on an infield pop up that hit the dirt. With runners on first and second, The Spartans used a sacrifice bunt from Kenzie Reynolds to advance a base. Tampa then scored the game's first run on a Lilly Kiester RBI groundout that allowed Kate DeSimone to come across. The one run was all the Spartans could muster in the second but they took a 1-0 lead into the middle innings. Kate DeSimone continued her trend of sitting down the Badgers in order as she posted her second 1-2-3 inning in a row to send Tampa back to the plate in the bottom of the third. After the first two batters were unable to reach base, Tampa's walk leader Kinnah Kreidler was able to do what she does and earn a free base. Spartans pitcher Kate DeSimone then found some green for her second base hit of the day and Tampa was threatening. Tampa was able to convert the scoring opportunity into a run when Kelsey Winters singled to left field to extend the lead to 2-0 Spartans. Needing a response with the bats, Spring Hill led off the top of the fourth with a base hit before eventually loading the bases with two outs. With the bases juiced, Kate Desimone beared down in the circle, getting a routine fly out after battling through a 3-2 count. The Spartans escaped the bases loaded jam and now had a chance to extend the lead in the fourth inning. After Lilly Kiester led off the inning with a base hit to right field, Lauren Fantone layed down a perfect bunt to advance her teammate to second base. The next batter Alexa Russo continued to hammer the softball, scoring Kiester on a base hit to left center. With two outs gone, Mariah Galhouse tripped to deep left field but was unable to cross home plate and the Spartans settled for one run. Now with a 3-0 lead, Kate DeSimone easily tossed her fifth straight scoreless frame and the Tampa bats had another chance to extend the lead. Kinnah Kreidler led off the inning with a triple off the center field wall but was unable to score due to excellent relief pitching by the Badgers. Spring Hill was able to keep this contest a three run game by picking up two huge strikeouts before ending the inning on a flyout in order to strand Kreidler at third. In the top of the sixth, DeSimone worked around an error by her defense to keep Spring Hill off the scoreboard once again. In their last chance to extend the lead, Alexa Russo doubled over the head of the Badger right fielder for her third hit of the game. A batter later, Abby Sulte turned on a fastball for a clutch two out RBI hit down the third base line. The Spartans were able to add a run before turning it over to Kate DeSimone to finish the job. With a 4-0 lead in the top of the seventh, the Spartans were just trying to collect outs. DeSimone got the first two batters to fly out to second base and left field before getting the final Badger batter to lineout. Kate Desimone throws a complete game shutout as the Spartans advance to the winners bracket of the South Region. 

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Kate DeSimone Final Line - 7.0 IP, 3 H, 6 SO, 0 ER

• Alexa Russo - 3-4 2B, 2 RBI

• Kelsey Winters - 2-2, RBI

UP NEXT: Tampa will play the winner of Nova Southeastern and Barry in the second round of the NCAA South Region Bracket. This contest will take place tomorrow at 12pm.