March 29, 2015
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By Nate Blythe
UCFKnights.com
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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Just like the dramatic endings for football and men's basketball vs. Houston, Sunday was No. 6 UCF baseball's turn and it faced a 3-2 deficit entering the bottom of the ninth. Thanks to a bases loaded, walk-off single by senior first baseman James Vasquez, the Knights posted a 4-3 win over the 15th-ranked Cougars to clinch the opening series in the American Athletic Conference.
The UCF (22-7, 2-1 The American) ninth inning started with a single to right by freshman second baseman Kyle Marsh, then senior right fielder Erik Barber was hit by a pitch. A sac bunt was laid down by sophomore designated hitter Matt Diorio, but the throw by the pitcher was wide, allowing for Marsh to tie the game, 3-3.
"The infield was in and I was just looking for a pitch to drive," Vasquez said. I was looking for a fastball early and wanted to put a good swing on it. That is exactly what I did."
WATCH: @ucf_marcdaniels calls @Jvasquez_Ucf13's walk-off single for the series win over No. 15 Houston! #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/8WNj2On9Dy-- UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) March 29, 2015
After senior third baseman Tommy Williams was intentionally walked, Vasquez struck the first offering from Houston (19-9, 1-2 The American) lefty Seth Romero up the middle to secure the victory. It was the third walk-off win for the Knights this season - JoMarcos Woods vs Ole Miss (2/27) and Derrick Salberg vs. Fairfield (3/14).
"Championship Sunday that is what it was today. What a game. what a series," head coach Terry Rooney said. "This series showcased two great college baseball teams. I could not be prouder of our players today. The guys hung in there and did a terrific job of executing late. They deserved to win the series."
Senior right-handed pitcher Zach Rodgers (4-0) tossed eight innings of relief and struck out five to earn the victory. Coach Rooney referenced that Rodgers recorded his best outing of the season and provided the Knights with an opportunity to make the comeback.
A three-hit performance was tallied by Vasquez, while Williams added a pair of base knocks to pace the UCF offense that totaled eight hits.
Barber ignited a two-out rally with a double down the left field line in the first inning. A walk was drawn by Diorio before Williams singled to left, putting the Knights up, 1-0.
The lead was short lived as Houston loaded the bases in the second inning on a walk and a pair of bunt singles. A single through the left side by Ashford Fulmer tied the contest and chased freshman starter Eric Hepple.
The Cougars took the lead on a sac fly by Zac Taylor, 2-1. Rodgers ended the frame on a ground ball to the first baseman Vasquez, who threw to senior shortstop Dylan Moore, for the first out. The runner at third broke home and the Knights completed the 3-6-5-2 double play with senior catcher Jordan Savinon tagging out the runner at the plate.
In the sixth inning, Houston stretched its lead to 3-1 on a double to left center by Taylor that scored Jason Campbell, who started off the frame with a single. A single by senior pinch hitter Derrick Salberg brought home Vasquez to keep the deficit at one, 3-2.
The Cougars were paced by Campbell, who tallied three hits and scored two runs. Taylor drove in two of the three runs for Houston. Aaron Garza logged 4 2/3 innings of relief and six strikeouts.
UCF concludes a four-game homestand on Tuesday with Dollar Dog Knight against No. 25 Florida Atlantic on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2015 baseball season are currently on sale by clicking here or calling 407-823-1000.