April 4, 2015
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By Nate Blythe
UCFKnights.com
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CINCINNATI, Ohio (UCFKnights.com) - Senior Zach Rodgers pitched his second-career complete game and tallied a personal-best 11 strikeouts in No. 6 UCF's 2-1 victory at Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon.
"In 18 years of coaching that was one of the best outings that I have ever seen," head coach Terry Rooney said. "Not just statistically, but it was in a time of need. Zach placed our team on his back and put everything in his own hands and did a terrific job.
Rodgers (5-0) notched his fifth victory by yielding three hits and only one run.
A solo homer to right field by senior first baseman James Vasquez in the second inning provided the Knights with the early momentum.
"JV [Vasquez] is a leader on our team and has been here four years and knows what it takes," Rooney said. "He is respected by everyone and an incredible leader. Great leaders step up when you need them and he did that today."
During the fourth frame, senior right fielder Erik Barber singled through the left side with one out. A double into the left center gap by senior third baseman Tommy Williams put two runners in scoring position. Vasquez drove in his second run of the day with an RBI groundout, 2-0.
The Bearcats threatened in the bottom-half with a pair of singles and had two runners in scoring position with two outs. Senior catcher Jordan Savinon fielded a swinging bunt and retired the side on a strong throw to first base.
UCF was unable to extend its advantage with a one-out double off the fence in right field by senior shortstop Dylan Moore in the eighth inning.
The Bearcats in their next at bat capitalized on a two-out walk, when Ryan Noda doubled down the right field line to cut the Knights' lead to 2-1. Rodgers threw three-straight strikes to notch his 10th strikeout of the afternoon.
Cincinnati saw a complete-game tossed by Dalton Lehnen (1-5), who also recorded a career-best with 11 strikeouts.
The Knights are back at home on Tuesday against Jacksonville with the first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2015 baseball season are currently on sale by clicking here or calling 407-823-1000.