March 20, 2015
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By Nate Blythe
UCFKnights.com
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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - For the second time this season, No. 7 UCF recorded a walk-off victory on Friday night as senior center fielder Derrick Salberg drew a bases loaded walk to top Presbyterian, 6-5. The Knights (19-4) celebrated in center field following the come-from-behind victory at the UCF Baseball Complex.
"These guys played every pitch tonight and found a way to get it done at the end," head coach Terry Rooney said. "That has been a trait of this ball club - they have found ways to win."
With the score knotted, 4-4, after seven innings, the Blue Hose manufactured a run following a lead-off walk, sac bunt and RBI single by Tyler Weyenberg in the eighth.
Presbyterian (14-8) was looking to tack on an additional run with a runner at second and one out in the ninth inning, when Cam McRae sent a hard-hit ball out to left center. The ball hit the top of the fence and caromed right to senior left fielder JoMarcos Woods, who kept the runners at first and second. Senior reliever Zach Rodgers (3-0) tallied a foul out and strikeout to retire the side and provide the Knights a chance in their final at bat.
Facing a one-run deficit, senior first baseman James Vasquez recorded a 3-2 walk. Following a wild pitch and hit batter, a sac bunt was provided by senior catcher Jordan Savinon, but all the runners were safe as the Blue Hose attempted to get the lead runner at third.
The Knights tied the contest, 5-5, on a sac fly from sophomore designated hitter Matt Diorio for the first out. A strikeout and walk loaded the bases, setting up the late-inning drama with two outs.
"I had been struggling at the plate," the next batter, Salberg, said. "But that last at bat was the only one that mattered. I was just going up there and wanted to win it for my team."
With the crowd of 1,162 on its feet, four-straight balls issued to Salberg provided the Knights with the victory. The team celebrated when senior right fielder Erik Barber touched the plate, then went out to center field to mob Salberg.
It was the second walk-off of the season as Woods delivered the game-winning run in the ninth inning vs. Ole Miss (2/27). The last time the Knights won on a walk-off free pass was an Eric Kallstrom walk against Monmouth (3/3/07).
Sophomore second baseman Brooks Morgan and Barber tallied a pair of base knocks, while Salberg brought home two runs.
The Knights received a strong performance from freshman Cre Finfrock, who lasted 5 1/3 innings and struck out one. Junior lefty Harrison Hukari tallied two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings and kept the Blue Hose off the scoreboard.
Presbyterian out-hit the Knights 14-8 with every starter notching a base hit. Two-hit contests were registered by Jay Lizanich, Jacob Midkiff, AJ Piraulx and Mcrae.
The loss was handed to Ethan Wortkoetter (2-2), who fanned four in three innings of relief. Starter Beau Dees went 5 1/3 innings and fanned five, yielding three earned runs.
After PC scored three runs on five hits during the first two frames, the Knights responded to knot the contest at three in the bottom of the second. Senior first baseman James Vasquez singled down the right field line to start off the frame.
A hit batter and single to left by Morgan put the Knights on the board. Woods was plunked by a pitch before senior shortstop Dylan Moore singled to center, 3-2. The tying run came across on a run-scoring groundout by Salberg.
The Blue Hose took advantage of a pair of walks in the third inning with an RBI double by Midkiff down the right field line, 4-3.
In the sixth inning, Barber drew a walk to start the frame and moved to second on a sac bunt from Savinon. A single to right center by Morgan loaded the bases for Woods, who recorded the game-tying single to right, 4-4.
With a runner at first in the seventh frame, Vasquez hit a pitch toward the fence in right and Peter Johnson jumped and extended to make a home-run saving catch.
Senior third baseman Tommy Williams extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a base knock in the eighth frame.
Game two of the series is set for 4 p.m. Saturday with sophomore Robby Howell (4-0, 3.19 ERA, 23 K) taking on David Sauer (2-1, 3.49 ERA, 19 K). The finale begins at 1 p.m. Sunday. Single-game tickets for the 2015 baseball season are currently on sale by clicking here or calling 407-823-1000.