Spartans Split Double Header, Win Series Against Embry-Riddle

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa's Softball team picks up the series win over Embry-Riddle, but fails to convert the series sweep in the final game of the series.

Records: Tampa 21-7, (8-4), Embry-Riddle 16-15, (2-10)

Location: Naimoli Family Stadium l Tampa, FL.

History: Today's double header marked 29th and 30th meetings between the conference rivals with Tampa holding a steady series lead of (25-5).

Final Game One: Tampa 2, Embry-Riddle 1

Final Game Two: Tampa 1, Embry-Riddle 2

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME ONE:

Game one of the double header got off to a rough start for the Spartans as the Eagles were quickly able to load the bases with no one out in the first inning. Despite this, Koda Travers would work her way out of the jam without allowing any runs to cross the plate to save the Spartans from an early deficit. Travers would breeze through the next three innings with a 1-2-3 inning in each. However, in the fifth, the Eagles would find the breakthrough in the game and their first run of the weekend to take the lead. Tampa's offense was giving themselves some opportunities to score, but just not finding the key hit. This changed in the sixth inning when Kinnah Kreidler would launch an RBI double to the warning track in center field to tie the game. With neither team able to find another run in the seventh, the game would head to extras. In the extra frames, Tampa would turn to Gwen McGinnis to keep the Eagle offense at bay, and much like game one of the series, McGinnis would do just that. In the ninth inning, Tampa would grab hold of some traffic on the bases, and Jenna Neupaver would step up and lay down a beautiful bunt that allowed Hannah Yetter to score the winning run for the Spartans.

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Travers - 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 3 SO

• McGinnis - W (13-2): 2.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 5 SO

• Yetter - 2-4, R

• Kreidler - 1-3, RBI (19), 2B (6), BB

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME TWO:

The final game of the series got started, and Gwen McGinnis would toe the rubber once more for Tampa. Unlike the first game of the day, Tampa would hit the scoreboard first, and would once again turn to small ball to get it done as Jenna Neupaver would execute the same play that ended the earlier game to put Tampa on top. Almost like a video game, McGinnis would continue to move through the Embry-Riddle batting order without giving up a run, as she navigated a lead off double in the fourth and a one out double in the fifth. However, Tampa was only able to muster one run of offense and the Eagles were never out of the fight. They showed this by putting the leadoff runner on in the seventh inning, and taking advantage of a Tampa error and good situational hitting to plate the tying and go-ahead runs. Embry-Riddle's solid pitching was finally rewarded with run support, and they would set aside the Spartans in the bottom of the seventh to take the final game of the series.

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• McGinnis - L (13-3): 7.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 9 SO

• Neupaver - 2-3, RBI (5)

• Joey Trawick - 1-2, R

() - Season Totals

UP NEXT: The Spartans take to the road again for the start of a rivalry series against Florida Southern on Thursday, April 2 at 6:00pm.