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Bulls Take Early Lead in Loss to No. 19 Florida State
- Updated: March 4, 2015
A four-run bottom of the sixth spoiled an upset bid for the University of South Florida baseball team in a 7-3 loss at No. 19 Florida State (10-1) Wednesday night.
USF (6-6-1) started its upset bid early as Kevin Merrell and Kyle Teaf hit back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners with no outs for the Bulls in the first inning. Luke Borders followed up, reaching on an error to score Merrell and put the Bulls ahead early on.
The Bulls struck again in the second, thanks to two bases-loaded walks. Gilcrease got the inning started, reaching on an error, before stealing second and being advanced to third on a Buddy Putnam groundout. Andres Leal, Merrell and Teaf drew walks to bring in one run for the Bulls and a new pitcher for FSU. Luke Borders walked to give USF its second run of the inning before a strikeout and lineout ended the bases loaded threat.
With USF leading 3-2, Tommy Eveld came in to relieve starting pitcher Ryan Valdes, who had gone a career-high five innings. Eveld loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch, before RHP Michael Farley entered and walked in two runs that gave FSU its first lead of the night. An RBI single and RBI sac fly plated two more before an RBI single in the eighth secured the final.
FSU (10-3) cut into the Bulls’ lead in the third on a solo home run by Danny De La Calle. In the fifth, a balk by RHP Ryan Valdes allowed for the runner on third to advance, scoring another run for the Seminoles.
Alec Byrd earned the win for FSU, giving up just three hits and no runs in five innings of work. Taylor Folsom earned the save, pitching 2.0 innings of one-hit ball.
Eveld (0-1) took the loss for the Bulls giving up three runs on three hits. In his second start of the season, Valdes went a career-high five innings, while giving up just two runs on five hits to go with three walks and three strikeouts.
Teaf extended his on base streak to a team-leading 12 games, while Merrell extended his hit streak to a team-leading five games.
The Bulls return to Tampa for a three-game series with Seton Hall, March 6-8. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. while Sunday’s finale is slated for 1 p.m.
