GoUSFBulls.com Hot Bulls Extend Streak to 12 Wins

[Brad]

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Hot Bulls Extend Streak to 12 Wins

The Bulls clubbed at least 15 hits for a third-straight game

 

TAMPA, MARCH. 10, 2017 – Already off to its best start in program history, the University of South Florida baseball team extending its win streak to 12 games with Friday’s 11-2 victory over Valparaiso.   

The Bulls (13-1) and Crusaders (6-6) each had chances in the first two innings, stranding three runners apiece. But the hosts struck first with two in the third frame to give ace Phoenix Sanders (Gainesville, Fla.) a lead that would not be relinquished. 

After tallying a run in the fourth and fifth, USF gave itself plenty of insurance in the bottom of the sixth. Junior Kevin Merrell (Odessa, Fla.) got on with a leadoff bunt. Following a walk, senior Luke Borders (Winter Haven, Fla.) singled to bring home Merrell. Two batters later, Duke Stunkel Jr. (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) drove a pitch down the right field line to bring plate two more runs, making it 7-0. The margin would extend to as many as 11-0 with a four-run eighth all coming with two outs. 

Key Stats

• Merrell tallied a pair of hits and two runs. 
• Stunkel Jr. finished with a game-best three hits in four at bats, two RBI and a run.
• Junior third baseman David Villar (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and sophomore Chris Chatfield (Riverview, Fla.) each drove in three men.
• Sanders went 7.0 frames, allowed five hits and struck out 10 for a second time this season.

Notables

• The Bulls 12-game win streak is tied for the fourth longest in program history and currently the second-longest active streak in the country.
• The Bulls have now clubbed 15 or more hits in three-straight games.

 

Up Next

The Bulls and Crusaders continue the three-game series with game two tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. 

[JoeB]

Great game.  Pitching has really dominated to start the year.  I've been to 8 of the games so far.  Would like to see more fans, this team deserves it!