Feb. 27, 2016
02-27-16 - UCF vs. Texas State - Images by UCF Knights
COPRPUS CHRISRI, Texas (UCFKnights.com) - After starting 6-0, UCF dropped its first contest of the campaign on Saturday against Texas State, 2-1, in the Kleberg College Classic at Whataburger Field. Sophomore Robby Howell tossed six frames and struck out four, but earned a no decision after the Bobcats came-from-behind with a pair of runs in the seventh inning.
Related: Stats | Box Score | Photo Gallery
The Knights (6-1) scored with a clutch RBI double that one-hopped the left field wall by junior left fielder Austin Griffin in the fourth inning. Junior Luke Hamblin crossed the plate on the play after reaching first base on a throwing error and taking second on a wild pitch.
After Howell worked out of jams in the second and fifth frames, Texas State (4-3) broke through in the seventh inning with two runs on a trio of hits off two relievers. The game-winning double came off the bat of Luke Sherley with two outs and two runners in scoring position.
The Knights conclude the Kleberg Classic in Corpus Christi, Texas, at noon Sunday against Michigan State.
UCF returns home on Tuesday to battle No. 1 Florida at 6:30 p.m. With a capacity crowd expected, fans are encouraged to purchase advanced tickets by clicking here.
Pitcher's Duel
- Both starters, Robby Howell, and the Bobcats' Jeremy Hallonquist logged six innings, but neither factored into the decision.
- Howell recorded four strikeouts, while Hallonquist tallied six punch outs and gave up just a single hit.
- The win was credited to Chase Hodson, who threw three innings and struck out five.
Howell's Great Escapes
- Robby Howell pitched through a pair of tough situations to keep Texas State off the board.
- The Fort White, Fla., native faced two runners in scoring position and one out in the second inning. He induced a fly ball to left that was caught by Austin Griffin, who threw a dart to home plate and Anthony George applied the tag to end the frame.
- After the Bobcats loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, Howell recorded a strikeout and fly out to retire the side.