COLUMBUS, Ga. – Fourth-ranked Tampa scored eight runs in the third and fourth innings to roll to a 13-5 victory over Columbus State University Thursday afternoon at Ragsdale Field.
After the Cougars scored a first inning run due to a bases loaded walk, Tampa (6-1) tied the game up in the top of the second. With one out, Michael Danner laid down a bunt down the third baseline where Cameron Griffin fielded and threw wide allowing Danner to go to second. A single followed by another error by Griffin tied the ballgame at one.
In the third, the Spartans started to break the game open as Jake Schrader just missed a grand slam as he drove a double off the leftfield wall driving in a pair.
The Cougars got runners on the corners in the bottom of the third but were unable to push across any runs.
Tampa's bats came alive in a big way in the fourth as the Spartans scored five runs in the frame. Tyler Ding led the inning off with a single and after a fly out, Jacob Tilloston homered over the right-centerfield wall to make it 6-1.
Stuart Shaw entered the game after Sean Muller allowed a single and walked the last batter he faced. Drew Doty stepped to the plate and launched a 3-2 pitch for a three-run bomb.
Columbus State (2-6) got two runs back thanks to back-to-back jacks from Cameron Scott and Jimmy Obermark to make it a 9-3 game. It was the second long ball of the season for both players.
The Cougars continued to battle back scoring a run in the fifth. With one out, Ryan Lewis and Brett Teschner recorded back-to-back hits putting a runner in scoring position for Scott who delivered once again driving a ball through the right side of the infield to inch CSU closer.
However, Tampa put the comeback effort to bed scoring two runs in the sixth and single runs in the seventh and eighth. Jake Schrader hit UT's third homerun of the game in the sixth with a two-run shot over the leftfield wall.
Columbus State scored their final run of the game in the ninth as Obermark doubled home Lewis.
Sean Muller (0-1) made his first career start on Thursday pitching 3.1 innings allowing seven runs (six earned) on six hits. He struck out the first four batters he faced and issued two walks.
Preston Packrall was the starter for Tampa as he tossed the first 3.1 innings allowing three runs. Mike Adams (1-0) picked up the win lasting 2.1 innings and gave up one run.
CSU out-hit Tampa 13-12 with Jimmy Obermark leading the way with a 3-for-5 performance and two runs batted in. Martin Castro, Ryan Lewis, Brett Teschner and Cameron Scott all had two hit days. Scott ended the night with three RBIs.
For Tampa, Jake Schrader went 3-for-6 with four RBIs including a homer. Drew Doty added three more RBIs.
Columbus State will now turn their attention to Peach Belt Conference play as the Cougars travel up to Pembroke, NC to face off against undefeated and 17th-ranked UNC Pembroke. A doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday, February 16. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
