Tampa Baseball Clinches Sixth Straight SSC Crown With Series Opener Win

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The No. 4 University of Tampa baseball team erupted for an 18–5 victory over Eckerd on Friday night, clinching the 2026 Sunshine State Conference championship. Tampa finished with 18 runs on 18 hits, including six home runs as a team, showcasing one of its most complete offensive performances of the season.

With the win, the Spartans improved to 37–7 overall and secured their 25th SSC title and sixth consecutive conference championship, continuing their dominance atop the league standings. This also marks the 10th straight year where the Spartans have finished first in the final league standings.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 18, Eckerd 5
Records: Tampa (37–7, 23-2 SSC), Eckerd (28–15, 16-9 SSC)
Location: St. Petersburg, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Eckerd struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but Tampa answered quickly in the second. Walker Vanecek ripped a two-run double to tie the game before Jack Martinez reached on an error to give the Spartans a 3–2 lead.

After the Tritons evened the score in the second, Tampa seized control in the fourth inning. Martinez launched a two-run home run to center, followed by an RBI single from Brayden Woodburn to extend the advantage.

The Spartans continued to build momentum in the fifth inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Jhoander Irigoyen and an RBI single by Jesse Ponce.

Tampa broke the game wide open in the sixth inning, plating nine runs. The explosive frame featured home runs from Woodburn and Irigoyen, along with multiple RBI hits and patient at-bats that stretched the lead to 17–3.

Dennis McCaffery added a solo home run in the ninth to cap the scoring in the 18–5 victory.

ON THE MOUND

Robert Satin earned the start, working 5.0 innings while allowing three runs (two earned) with four strikeouts.

The bullpen held firm the rest of the way. Corey Lyle delivered 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, while Alex Laiche closed with a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win.

TOP PERFORMERS

Jhoander Irigoyen: 5-for-5, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored — five hits is second-most hits in a game by Tampa player
Jack Martinez: 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 2 BB — sparked the middle innings
Brayden Woodburn: 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI — continued offensive surge
Walker Vanecek: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, double — key early production
Dennis McCaffery: HR, RBI — capped scoring late
Jesse Ponce: 2-for-5, RBI — contributed to multiple scoring innings
Gunnett Carlson: 2-for-5, 3 runs scored — constant presence on base
Jordan Evans: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 runs, SB — set the tone at the top
Jack Martinez / Jake Turer combo: combined for 4 runs scored and key situational at-bats

UP NEXT

Tampa continues the series at Eckerd on Saturday with a noon doubleheader.