Bulls vs. Army Series

[BrassBulls12]

Had to pull one out in the end thanks to a round 4th.

Another double digit hit day is a positive. 

Two straight sweeps. 

 

[Brad]

USF ATHLETICS GoUSFBulls.com

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Bulls Complete Weekend Sweep in Walk-Off Fashion  

USF won its eighth-straight game and swept a second-straight series with a walk-off in the ninth 
 

TAMPA, FLA., MARCH 18, 2018 – For the second time this season, the University of South Florida baseball team won on a walk-off, as it defeated Army West Point, 5-4, to extend the win streak to eight. 

The Bulls (15-6) jumped out in front early for the third-straight game of the weekend with three runs in the second. Tyler Dietrich (Naples, Fla.) hit a two-RBI double to center, then Coco Montes(Miami) smashed a double off the centerfield wall to score Dietrich.

The Black Knights (7-12) got one back in the third, then scored three on five hits in the fourth to give them their first lead of the weekend, 4-3. USF went to the bullpen for the final out in the fourth, as Kevin King (Orlando) was called on. He, along with Richie Cruz (Miami) and Andrew Perez (Orlando) were stellar, allowing just one hit the rest of the way.

The Bulls threatened in the seventh, as Chris Chatfield (Riverview, Fla.) was on second with one out. Joe Genord (Lake Worth, Fla.) hit a roller that went through the first baseman’s legs and into the outfield, allowing Chatfield to score and tie things up at 4-4.

In the bottom half of the ninth, JD Dutka(Suwanee, Ga.) singled with one out, then Kyle Phillips (Orlando) singled with two outs and both advanced on a wild pitch. That brought up juniorGarrett Zech (Naples, Fla.), who laced the second pitch of his at-bat into left field, giving the Bulls their second walk-off win of the year.

Quotables

Head coach Billy Mohl on the win streak being extended with the walk off:

“JD gave us a chance with the first hit, and Zech’s at-bat was huge. They had a guy with a good breaking ball on the mound, he elevated one and Zech was able to drive it into left.” 

Head coach Billy Mohl on the state of the team sitting at 15-6:

“We’re in a good spot right now and guys are playing with a lot of confidence. The real season starts next Friday, conference is always a grind, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.” 

Garrett Zech on his at-bat in the ninth:

“The guys in front of me did a great job getting on and getting into scoring position. I just went up there with a plan, stuck to it on both pitches and I was able to execute.” 

Garrett Zech talking about the win streak:

“Everything’s been clicking for us. Our fielding has been good, hitting has been great and the pitching has been outstanding. We’re firing on all cylinders and it’s nice to have the ball rolling going into conference.”  

Key Stats 

3 – Montes had three hits for the second-straight night. He, Genord and Dietrich each had doubles. 

10 – The Bulls had 10+ hits for the 13^th time this season.

5.3 – The bullpen combined to throw 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk with nine strikeouts. King tossed 2.1 hitless innings with three strikeouts, Cruz went 1.2 allowing one hit with two K’s and Perez struck out all four of the batters he faced. 

26– The Bulls are 26-1-1 in home nonconference series since 2012.

Notables

·   Perez struck out seven in the last two games.

·   Dutka and Zech each finished 2-for-4.

·   USF has the longest winning streak in the conference.

Up Next

USF is at North Florida Tuesday night before opening conference play at home against UConn on Friday. The first game against the Huskies will be on the American Digital Network.  

[BrassBulls12]

Montez had a really good series.

The bottom of the order came through today.  

 

Edited March 18, 2018 by BrassBulls12

[BrassBulls12]