Joe Urso Wins 1,100th Game at Helm of Spartans With Series Win at Eckerd

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The No. 4 University of Tampa baseball team split a Sunshine State Conference doubleheader against Eckerd on Sunday, earning a 15–3 victory in game one before falling 2–1 in the nightcap. Game one also marked a historic milestone, as the victory was the 1,100th career win for head coach Joe Urso and associate head coach Sam Militello.

With the split, the Spartans move to 38–8 overall and 23–3 in SSC play, while Eckerd stands at 29–16 overall and 16–10 in conference action.

Tampa's 15 runs in game one came on seven hits, aided by 11 walks and timely extra-base hitting. The Spartans have already clinched the Sunshine State Conference championship, marking the program's 25th title and sixth straight crown.

The winningest active coach, Urso has won nearly 75 percent of his games over his 26-year head-coaching career. The 11th coach in NCAA Division II history to reach the milestone, Urso currently ranks fifth among active D2 coaches in all-time wins. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Game One Final: Tampa 15, Eckerd 3
Game Two Final: Eckerd 2, Tampa 1
Records: Tampa (38–8, 23–3 SSC), Eckerd (29–16, 16–10 SSC)
Location: Turley Athletic Complex | St. Petersburg, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game One – Tampa 15, Eckerd 3

Tampa used a late offensive explosion to secure the series-clinching win.

After taking a 2–0 lead behind early production from Jhoander Irigoyen, Eckerd tied the game in the sixth with a two-run home run.

The Spartans responded with a decisive 10-run seventh inning, highlighted by bases-loaded production, a two-run double from Jesse Ponce, and a three-run home run from Jack Martinez.

Tampa added three more runs in the eighth on a Ponce three-run home run to close out the 15–3 victory.

On the mound, B.J. Bailey improved to 12–0 with a strong 6.0-inning effort, while Tobin Moran and Kenney Robinson combined for three innings of effective relief to close the game.

Game Two – Eckerd 2, Tampa 1

The second game was a tightly contested pitching duel.

Tampa struck first in the second inning on an RBI single from Jack Martinez, scoring Walker Vanecek.

Eckerd answered in the bottom half and broke the tie in the seventh on an RBI double from Jake Ambrosio.

The Spartans threatened late but were unable to capitalize, dropping the 2–1 decision.

John Luke Glanton delivered 6.2 strong innings, while Luke Fikar provided efficient relief, keeping Tampa within striking distance.

TOP PERFORMERS

Game One

Jesse Ponce: 2-for-5, HR, double, 5 RBI — extra-base damage and key hits in big innings
Jhoander Irigoyen: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs, 2 BB — elite production and on-base presence
Jack Martinez: 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB — clutch three-run homer in seventh
Gunnett Carlson: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 runs — run production and scoring presence
Jordan Evans: 1-for-4, 2 runs — table-setter at the top
Jesse Ponce / Jack Martinez combo: 8 combined RBI, both with extra-base hits
Walker Vanecek: RBI, 2 BB — productive at-bats in key spots
Brayden Woodburn: RBI, 2 BB — contributed in seventh-inning rally
Dennis McCaffery: 2 runs, 2 BB — sparked big inning
B.J. Bailey (W, 12–0): 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 K — controlled start
Tobin Moran: 2.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K — effective bridge
Kenney Robinson: 1.0 IP, 0 R, 2 K — clean finish

Game Two

Jack Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI — drove in Tampa's lone run
Nik Pereira: 1-for-3, BB — reached base twice
Jordan Evans: 1-for-4 — lone multi-hit threat at top
Jhoander Irigoyen: 1-for-3 — contributed base hit
Walker Vanecek: run scored, BB — created scoring opportunity
John Luke Glanton (L, 10–2): 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H — strong outing in tough loss
Luke Fikar: 1.1 IP, 0 R — efficient relief to keep game close

UP NEXT

Tampa returns home to conclude the regular season with a three-game series against Barry University, beginning Thursday at 6 p.m. at Tampa Baseball Field.