April 2, 2016
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UCFKnights.com) - The Knights pounded out 14 hits in a 9-2 victory at Memphis on Saturday to even the series. The rubber match for UCF and Memphis is set for 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.
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Junior right-hander Robby Howell tossed eight innings without giving up an earned run and struck out four to move to 6-0 on the campaign. The Fort White, Fla, native only allowed three hits during his outing.
"That was a great team win. To me, the day begins and starts with Robby Howell," head coach Terry Rooney said. "He has been doing it all year -- putting the team on his back. He went in determined like he has the entire season and did a terrific job.
"We scored some runs early, which allowed everyone to relax a little bit. Again, we were able to bounce back from last night [loss]."
UCF (16-13, 1-1 The American) used a three-run second and two-run fourth frame to take control of the contest at Memphis (10-16, 1-1 The American). The Knights tacked on two insurance runs in each of the eighth and ninth frames.
Three-hit games were registered by junior second baseman Ryan Crile and sophomore catcehr Logan Heiser, while a pair of base knocks were delivered by freshman third baseman Matthew Mika. Junior center fielder Luke Hamblin notched two RBI to pace the Knights.
The next home game for the Knights is on Tuesday against No. 18 Florida Atlantic with the first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. at the UCF Baseball Complex.
Two Baggers
- The Knights registered five doubles in the game.
- A leadoff double was delivered in the second, third and fourth frames by Sam Tolleson, Eli Putnam and Logan Heiser, respecitively.
- The Tolleson double started a three-run second inning, which was highlighted by runs produced by Kam Gellinger, Luke Hamblin and Matthew Mika.
- Following a double by Putnam in the fourth inning, Luke Hamblin drove in a run on a squeeze bunt and Ryan Crile delivered an RBI base knock through the right side.
- The second double for Heiser pushed the score to 6-2 in the eighth inning. He came around to score on a sac fly by Eugene Vazquez.
"Offensively, we are trying to find our groove. The positive in all of this is that the best is yet to come with this group as far as putting everything together."
-HC Terry Rooney
Howell Continues Dealing
- Robby Howell did not allow an earned run over eight innings of work, while only allowing three hits.
- He notched four strikeouts.
- Howell improved his record to 6-0, which moves him into a tie for first nationally in victories. As of games thru April 1, there are five other pitchers that have an unblemished 6-0 mark.
- Trent Thompson tossed a perfect ninth frame.
"Robby did what he always does and filled up the zone and competed his butt off. He does a great job for us week in and week out and is a big guy for us this year."
C Logan Heiser
Noting The Tigers
- Connor Alexander (2-3) was given the loss after scattering 11 hits and five earned runs over seven innings.
- Zach Schritental and Jake Overbey drove in the two runs for the Tigers.
- Hunter Smith and Nolan Blackwood each logged an inning.