TAMPA, Fla. (April 8, 2011) - The Rollins
College Tars dropped an 8-7 heartbreaker to No. 8 Tampa at the UT
Baseball Field on Friday afternoon. Rollins drops to 20-15 overall
and 2-8 in Sunshine State Conference action, while Tampa improves
to 25-9 on the year and 9-4 in the SSC.
Three Tars notched multiple hits with Tony Brunetti and Kevin
Mager each getting three hits and Nick Adams two. Mager added
three RBIs, a run scored, two doubles, and a triple with Brunetti
adding two RBIs and two runs scored. Nick Adams chipped in with
two runs scored and a double.
Rollins was quick to get on the board scoring in the opening
frame as shortstop Nick Adams crossed the plate on a Kevin Mager
double.
The Tars managed to keep the eighth-ranked Spartans scoreless
through four, but gave up six runs in the fifth and sixth to give
UT the 6-4 advantage. In the top of the seventh, Kevin Mager
blasted his seventh triple down the right field line driving in
Tony Brunetti from first.
Tampa scored a pair of runs in the eighth to lead 8-5 heading
into the top of the ninth. In their last opportunity to put up
some runs, UT relief pitcher Tim Kiley loaded the bases for
Rollins. Tony Brunetti singled up the middle driving in pinch
hitters Brook McMinn and Greg Smith to put the Tars within one,
8-7, for the final score.
Senior Alex Venegas (1-2), who pitched in relief for Mike
Howard, received the loss with a third of an inning of work on the
hill. Venegas gave up two earned runs and a walk. Starting
pitcher Mike Howard received the no decision in five complete
innings of work. Howard struck out four batters and gave up four
earned runs.
Rollins will look to take back a game from the eighth-ranked
Spartans on Saturday, April 9. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.
For live action of the Tars, check out the Tars Sports Network at
RollinsSports.com.
