Heidel Picks Up First Win in Series Opener Against St. Leo

ST. LEO, FL. – The #1 University of Tampa Spartans take the series opener against St. Leo.

Final: #1 Tampa 8, St. Leo 4

Records: #1 Tampa (42-6, 26-2 SSC), St. Leo (20-28, 10-18 SSC)

Location: Thomas B. Southard Stadium | St. Leo, FL.  

All-Time Series: This was the 189^th meeting between these two programs. The Spartans are 142-47 against the Lions. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• With one out, Nico Saladino reached on an infield single to the Lion's Shortstop. After advancing to second on a balk and to third on a wild pitch, Saladino would come into score on a Brayden Woodburn single through the right side with two outs. Mid 4 | 1-0 Tampa
• Jhoander Irigoyen drew a walk to lead off the inning. Kevin Karstetter followed with a double to left field to give the Spartans second and third with nobody out. After a strikeout, Maddox King followed with a single through the left side to bring home Irigoyen and advance Karstetter to third. Jordan Williams followed with a single through the right side to bring Karstetter, advance King to third, and J. Williams would reach second on the play due to a fielding error by the Lions' left fielder. Saladino followed with a single-to-right center to bring home King and J. Williams. Mid 5 | 5-0 Tampa
• J. Williams led off the inning with a bunt single. He then stole second and third. He came around to score while stealing third due to the Lion's catcher throwing the ball past the third baseman. Saladino then drew a walk. J.D. Urso followed with a walk. Woodburn then fouled out to right field, but it would advance Saladino and Urso 90 feet. Edgardo Villegas then flew out to right field to bring Saladino home and advance Urso to third. Urso then came into score on a passed ball later in the inning. Mid 7 | 8-0 Tampa

AT THE PLATE: 

• J. Williams: 2-4, 2 SB's, 2 R's, & RBI
• Saladino: 2-3, BB, 2 R's, & 2 RBI's
• Woodburn: 2-4 & RBI
• King: 1-4, R, & RBI
• Karstetter: 1-4 & R
  

ON THE MOUND: 

• Robert Satin started on the mound. He threw 3 scoreless innings, striking out 2. Satin finished the evening with a no-decision.
• Brayden Heidel came in relief for Satin. He threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3. Heidel picked up his first Spartan win in his outing.
• Michael Alfonso came in relief for Heidel. He threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 2.
• Jacob Fletcher came in relief for Alfonso. He threw 2 innings, striking out 1 while giving up 1 earned run.

UP NEXT: The #1 Spartans will be back tomorrow, May 9^th, as they take on St. Leo in a doubleheader to wrap up their regular season. Game one will start at 3:00 PM. Game two will begin approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of game one.