GoUSFBulls.com Bulls Offense Comes Alive In Eighth Inning to Down Iowa

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Bulls Offense Comes Alive In Eighth Inning to Down Iowa

Nine-run eighth inning propels USF to Opening Day win

TAMPA, FEB. 17, 2017 – Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the University of South Florida baseball team erupted for nine runs in the frame to earn a season-opening 9-4 victory over Iowa Friday night.

The Bulls (1-0) were led by two hits apiece from junior shortstop Kevin Merrell (Odessa), sophomore outfielder Chris Chatfield (Riverview) and senior designated hitter Luke Borders (Winter Haven).

The Hawkeyes drew first blood with a run in the first, then added to the lead with runs in the fifth, seventh and eighth innings.

Starter Nick Gallagher had gone 7.0 innings, allowing six hits and one earned run before being taken out after a leadoff walk in the eighth inning. Zach Daniels was called upon in relief and the Bulls made him pay with three hits and four runs, including the go-ahead, two-run double from sophomore outfielder Cameron Montgomery(Windermere). Josh Martsching relieved Daniels after two outs, but USF kept the hits coming with four more base knocks.

Fellow sophomore Andrew Perez (Orlando) closed the door on Iowa in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning.

Key Stats

1 – Freshman D.J. Roberts (Jacksonville) picked up his first-career win in his collegiate debut.

8 – Senior ace Phoenix Sanders (Gainesville) struck out eight batters in 5.0 innings of work.  

13 – The Bulls tallied 13 hits in the win.

Quotables

Head coach Mark Kingston on his team’s explosive eighth inning and comeback win:

“We put a lot of balls in play all game long, stuck with it and things finally turned for us in that eighth. Give credit to their starting pitcher, he was effective and we were trying to be aggressive, but we didn’t strike out a whole lot which was big for us later on. It’s just one game, but it was a good first game for us and builds confidence going forward.”

Sophomore Cameron Montgomery on his go-ahead double and the eighth inning: 

“I think summer ball really helped in my ability and I’m a much more confident player at the plate this year. That eighth was one of the best innings I’ve ever been a part of and when everyone is enjoying the game like that, it’s great.”

Notables

• The Bulls earn an Opening Day win for the third time in the last four years.
• USF is now 3-0 against Iowa all-time.
• Eight USF players recorded hits in the win.
• Sophomore infielder Coco Montes (Miami) tallied three hits.
• Merrell finished with a pair of hits, a run scored and two RBIs.
• Chatfield also registered two hits, a run scored and an RBI.
• Borders posted two hits and a pair of RBIs.

Up Next

The Bulls will play the middle game of the series against the Hawkeyes on Saturday afternoon. With inclement weather in the forecast, first pitch has been moved to noon at USF Baseball Stadium.  

Fans can purchase season tickets, flex plans and single-game tickets at USFBullsTix.com or by calling 1-800-Go-Bulls.

 

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