Tampa Seeks Second Consecutive National Championship After Lopsided Victory

Box score

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The number-one ranked University of Tampa (52-10) baseball team will make a return trip to the national championship game following an 8-1 victory over the University of Southern Indiana (43-23). In three games at the NCAA II Championship Series, UT has now outscored its opponents 30-8.

The Spartans capitalized on some shaky defense by Southern Indiana to score a pair of first inning runs. Leadoff hitter Troy Ferguson reached base on a fielding error by USI first baseman Matt Pleiss. Ferguson then stole second base, which was followed by a Ryan Kennedy single. The next play resulted in a run when a routine ground ball to shortstop by Craig Corrado turned into a two-base throwing error to score Ferguson. A fielder's choice by Nolan Brannon drove in the Spartans second run of the inning as both UT runs were unearned.

Tampa stranded a pair of runners in both the second and third innings as a result of two hits in the second and a couple of walks in the third. UT starting pitcher Scott Chapman started strong, retiring the first 11 Screaming Eagles that he faced. A two-out single by Darin Mastroianni through the left side was the first USI hit of the game. After a stolen base, Mastroianni was left stranded following Chapman's third strikeout of the game.

UT benefited once again from the leadoff hitter reaching base as Junior Mejia scored the first run of the frame after a walk and stolen base. Mejia then scored on a Ferguson double, who later scored on a Kennedy single.

In the fifth inning, the Spartans added to their lead with three runs. The first two UT runs came via a Mejia single and a sacrifice fly by Ferguson. The third run came on a fielding error by USI centerfielder Michael Beaven on a Kennedy double that allowed Mejia to cross the plate.

The Screaming Eagles got on the board in the seventh after Mastrroianni tripled and then scored on a Hunter Slade single. Following a Chapman strikeout, USI loaded the bases after an infield single by Alex Thieroff and an error by UT third baseman Charlie Raley that allowed Garrett Oros to reach base. Chapman then forced Kevin O'Hair to fly out to leftfield to end the inning with no further damage.

Chapman exited following seven innings of work, allowing just one run on five hits. He also struck out seven Screaming Eagles while walking none. With the strong performance, Chapman moved to 8-0 on the season.

Johnny Williams entered in relief for Chapman, pitching a perfect eighth inning. The Spartans also managed to cross another run in their half of the eighth as a leadoff triple by Ferguson allowed him to score on a single by Kennedy. Craig Benner then came on for UT to finish the game with a scoreless ninth inning.

Offensively, Kennedy starred for Tampa while going 4-5 with a pair of RBI. Ferguson, Cruz and Mejia all added two hits apiece as Ferguson also had two RBI.

The Spartans advance to their second consecutive NCAA II national championship to face Columbus State (Ga.) University on Friday. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be carried by CSTV on tape delay. Tampa area viewers can watch the game live on Catch 47 (Brighthouse). UT will also offer a live audio/video webcast and live stats through its athletic website, www.tampaspartans.com.