No. 1 Tampa Rolls Past Saint Leo 12–1 in SSC Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The top‑ranked University of Tampa baseball team opened Sunshine State Conference play with a dominant 12–1 victory over Saint Leo on Friday night at Tampa Baseball Field. Tampa improved to 9–0 overall and 1–0 in SSC action, using a decisive five‑run fourth inning and another elite pitching performance to stay unbeaten.

Starting pitcher Robert Satin continued his outstanding early‑season form by throwing five scoreless innings. He allowed only two hits while striking out six batters and faced just 20 hitters in his outing. Relievers Josiah Velazquez and Cade Drohan followed with four innings of effective work. Velazquez contributed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, while Drohan added five strikeouts over the final two frames, allowing just one run. In total, Tampa's pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts without committing an error.

After three quiet innings from both teams, Tampa broke through with a five‑run fourth inning that changed the tone of the game. Brayden Woodburn and Jordan Evans opened the frame with back‑to‑back hits, allowing Jhoander Irigoyen to drive in the first run on a sacrifice fly to center field. Moments later, Jake Books reached on an error that scored Evans. Javi Soto then delivered the biggest swing of the inning, driving a two‑run triple deep to left field. Luke Fikar capped the scoring with a sharp RBI single to the right side, giving Tampa a commanding 5–0 lead.

Tampa continued to apply pressure in the fifth inning, scoring twice on bases‑loaded walks drawn by Gunnett Carlson and Soto. The Spartans extended their lead to 10–0 in the sixth when Evans ripped a triple to right field to score Jesse Ponce, and Walker Vanecek forced in another run with a walk. Tampa's discipline at the plate played a major role throughout the night, as the team drew 13 walks and consistently created scoring opportunities.

Saint Leo scratched across its only run in the eighth inning on a shallow RBI single by Abrahan Rios. Tampa responded immediately with three runs in the bottom half. Jesse Ponce walked with the bases loaded, Woodburn singled through the left side to bring in another run, and Evans added an infield RBI single to complete the scoring. Tampa's offense finished with nine hits and produced at least one baserunner in every inning except the second and third.

Top Tampa Performers

• Jordan Evans led the offense with a three‑hit, three‑RBI performance that included a key triple and two runs scored.
• Javi Soto added three RBI of his own, highlighted by his two‑run triple in the fourth inning.
• Brayden Woodburn contributed two hits, two RBI, and scored once.
• Jake Books reached base four times, scoring twice and driving in a run.
• Behind the plate, Jhoander Irigoyen executed a crucial sacrifice fly, walked twice, and scored two runs.
• Robert Satin delivered his fourth win of the season with five dominant innings.
• Cade Drohan struck out five in late relief.

Up Next

Tampa and Saint Leo will face off in a Saturday doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m.