Tampa Pulls Away From Nova Southeastern in 12-5 Win

Box score

Ft. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The #2 University of Tampa (30-6, 8-2) won their seventh consecutive game in a 12-5 victory over the #24 Nova Southeastern Sharks (28-10, 4-6).

The Spartans opened the scoring in the top of the second inning as Nolan Brannon's single through the right side was good enough to drive in Paul Cruz who reached on a single of his own. However, Tampa hit into an inning ending double play, their second of the game.

In the fourth a Cruz single and a Chris Rosenbaum double was followed by Brannon's second hit of the night, this time driving in two, making him responsible for the first three Spartan runs.

The Sharks were able to get back two runs in the bottom of the fourth on RBI of the bats of Brayan Valencia and Rhys Roberts.

Jose Jimenez led off the fifth with a walk and scored from first base on Craig Corrado's double to deep center. Corrado came around to score on Roberto Mena's line drive single to left. Brannon collected his fourth RBI on a double to left center, giving Tampa a 6-2 lead.

Once again in the bottom of the fifth, Nova Southeastern matched Tampa as they scored three runs to pull within a run at 6-5. Matt Mindick and J.D. Martinez each drove in a run. Bryan Cook scored on a wild pitch for the final run of the inning.

Cruz drove in Corrado with a triple off the wall in right center to give the Spartans a 7-5 edge after seven innings.

In the ninth Tampa put the game away with five runs, highlighted by Ryan Kennedy's three-run blast to right, his 11th of the season.

Ross Jackson started the game for Tampa going 4.1 innings. He was responsible for five runs and struck out two batters. Scott Leffler was very effective in 2.2 innings, striking out three, improving his record to 3-0. Jonathan Holt pitched the final two innings earning his 14th save of the season.

Tampa and Nova face off tomorrow at 1:00 pm with a double header at the NSU Baseball Complex.