Battle of Top SSC Teams Set for Weekend

TAMPA, Fla. – The top-ranked University of Tampa baseball team is set to host Embry-Riddle University in a matchup featuring the top two teams in the Sunshine State Conference.

The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans vs. Embry-Riddle University Eagles

Promotions: Athletic Marketing is working with Student Government in hosting an Outdoor Movie Night after Friday's game. Attendees will sit in the outfield to watch a movie for a one-of-a-kind experience! This is the first event of Student Government's "senior month," which celebrates seniors before graduation.  All seniors in attendance will receive a limited edition UT Baseball rally towel and a chance to win raffle items from the UT bookstore. There will be complimentary food from sponsors, popcorn and candy!

Date/Time: Friday at 6 p.m. | Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Records: Tampa (25-7, 11-4 SSC), Embry-Riddle (19-11, 8-4 SSC)

Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | Tampa, Fla. | Directions

About the Spartans: Tampa took two of three in its last series against Lynn University to stay atop the SSC standings. Junior outfielder Sam Freitas led the way, going 9-for-14 at the plate with six runs scored, four stolen bases, and an RBI across the three games to earn SSC Player of the Week honors. The Spartans are hitting .319 on the season as outfielder Yorvis Torrealba leads the team with a .393 average. Alec Aleywine has slugged seven home runs with 30 RBI while Nick Derr and Stevie Mangrum each have five round-trippers. Keven Pimentel anchors the pitching staff with a 3.11 ERA while striking out 51 opposing batters in 55.0 innings. Mason Duke (7-0, 1.66 ERA) and Tanner Foster (3-2, 3.70 ERA) will start Saturday while Tyler Beck (1.82 ERA, 6 SV, 24.2 IP), James Reynolds (1.46 ERA, 24.2 IP) and Jacinto Arredondo (1.77, 20.1 IP) have each emerged as the top bullpen arms.

About the Eagles: Embry-Riddle enters the series as the number-two team in the SSC and is coming off a series victory on the road over defending South Region champion Florida Southern. Taking two of three over the Mocs, the Eagles have SSC sweeps over Florida Tech and Palm Beach Atlantic after being swept by Nova Southeastern to open league play. Kirk Sidwell leads the team with a .398 average as Luis Oliver has seven home runs and 37 RBI to go with his .360 average. Seven of ERAU's starters are hitting .300-plus. Daniel Agramont is the ace, bringing a 2-3 record with a 4.62 ERA. Dominic Jeancola is the team's closer, posting a 1.80 ERA with five saves. He has struck out 26 hitters in 25.0 innings of work.

Series History: The Spartans hold a 9-7 edge in the all-time series and brings a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Eagles in last season's series in Daytona Beach. In three games last season, the UT offense put up 37 runs.

Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens, and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.

Game Coverage: Fans may watch live at TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.

Follow UT Athletics: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

Text Alerts: UT also offers a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.

Front Row: Download the official app of UT Athletics on the Apple or Android store. Look for Tampa Spartans Front Row app to receive notifications from your favorite Spartan teams. The app is completely free.