April 22, 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF junior first baseman Austin Griffin capped a three-run sixth inning with a two-run single to knot the game, 3-3, but a solo homer by Tulane's Matt Bruad in the seventh frame provided the difference in a 4-3 decision on Friday night.
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With rain and lightning surrounding the UCF Baseball Complex, the game was delayed in the top of the fourth inning for 100 minutes. Both starters -- Robby Howell and Emerson Gibbs -- returned to the hill after the delay and pitched into the seventh inning.
All Tied Up
- The Knights scored three times on four hits in the sixth inning.
- Three-consecutive singles by Luke Hamblin, Ryan Crile and Matthew Mika started the frame.
- A fielder's choice off the bat of Matt Diorio pushed across the first run.
- Austin Griffin delivered a clutch two-out single through the left side to tie the contest, 3-3.
Giving His Team a Chance
- Robby Howell (7-1) fanned six over 6 2/3 innings of work.
- The Fort White, Fla., native scattered nine hits and four runs, only giving up single runs in an inning, in his outing.
- He came into the contest only yielding three extra base hits (3 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR), but Tulane totaled five against the righty.
- Harrison Hukari logged 2 1/3 scoreless frames and registered two strikeouts to keep it a one-run game.
Noting the Green Wave
- Matt Braud blasted a solo homer in the top of the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie, which proved to be the game-winning run.
- Seven innings were registered by starter Emerson Gibbs (4-2), who notched five strikeouts.
- The first save of the season was notched by Patrick Duester, who logged two innings and fanned three.
- Lex Kaplan and Hunter Williams each added a pair of base knocks.
Next Up
- The Knights look to even the series against the Green Wave on Saturday with junior Juan Pimentel facing Ross Massey with the first pitch set for 4 p.m.
- The series concludes for UCF and Tulane on Sunday at 1 p.m.