Spartans Suffer First 2026 Loss at Hands of Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Ga. - In their first midweek road test of the season, the No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans were held in check offensively in a 7–0 loss at Savannah State on Tuesday afternoon in Savannah, Georgia. Tampa managed nine hits but struggled to string together timely offense, leaving ten runners on base and failing to push a run across for the first time this season. Savannah State used a pair of early scoring innings and a strong pitching performance to hand the Spartans their first loss of the year.

Tampa opened the afternoon by putting runners aboard in multiple early innings but could not capitalize, as Savannah State starter Salvatore Urso worked three scoreless innings and limited the Spartans to three hits while striking out one. The Tigers struck first in the third, using a two‑run frame to take control. Tampa starter Tobin Moran allowed five hits over three innings, giving up two earned runs with two strikeouts before the Spartans turned to the bullpen.

Savannah State extended its lead in the fourth when Kenney Robinson entered in relief, and the Tigers added another pair of runs on three hits to make it 4–0. From there, the Tigers continued to apply pressure, scoring three more insurance runs in the seventh off Cade Drohan, highlighted by a three‑RBI performance from shortstop Kijani Clarington, who finished with a hit and three runs driven in. Center fielder Jayden Clark paced Savannah State with a three‑hit, two‑RBI afternoon.

Tampa generated steady contact—collecting nine hits—but could not break through in key moments. The Spartans put at least one runner on base in six different innings, including back‑to‑back singles by Jhoander Irigoyen and Walker Vanecek in the fourth and a pair of base hits in the seventh, but Savannah State's bullpen kept Tampa off the board by scattering six hits over the final six innings. The Tigers' staff combined for six strikeouts and just two walks in the shutout effort.

Top Tampa Performers

• Jhoander Irigoyen (DH): 2-for-4, one of Tampa's most consistent bats on the afternoon.
• Walker Vanecek (1B): 2-for-4, reaching twice and anchoring the defensive side with ten putouts.
• Gunnett Carlson (C): 2-for-3, reaching three times total with a walk.
• Brayden Woodburn (2B): 1-for-4, continued to provide steady at‑bats from the top of the order.
• A.J. Graham (3B): 1-for-4, adding a seventh‑inning single.
• Tobin Moran (L, 0–1): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 K; limited damage early before a pair of Savannah State rallies.
• Josiah Velazquez: 2.0 scoreless innings, 2 K; the most effective arm out of the bullpen.

Up Next

• The Spartans remain on the road, traveling to Boca Raton, Fla., for a Sunshine State Conference series at Lynn University. The three-game series will include a 2 p.m. game on Friday, followed by an 11 a.m. doubleheader on Saturday.