Sam's Slam

May 6, 2016

Final Stats

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF topped conference-leading Cincinnati with an 8-7 victory on Saturday night behind a grand slam blasted by senior Sam Tolleson with two-outs in the seventh inning. It capped a five-run, two-out rally that put the Knights on top.

The Knights (23-24, 7-9 The American) held an 8-5 lead entering the ninth inning, but consecutive leadoff singles started a rally for the Bearcats (21-24-1, 9-6-1 The American) that lead to two runs. Junior Trent Thompson recorded a fly out to seal the game and notch his third save of the season.

"The theme tonight was that we picked each other up and that is what a good team does -- you pick each other up," head coach Terry Rooney said. "We hung in there and had some big at bats. Sam Tolleson was fantastic and had a huge at bat for us with the grand slam."

Related: Video Recap | Stats | Box Score | Photo Gallery | SoundCloud

A 3-for-4 performance with one RBI was recorded by junior second baseman Ryan Crile. A two-run homer was delivered by sophomore catcher Logan Heiser to put the Knights on the board in the third inning.

#SkinnerStrong

• In the first home game since learning that UCF signee Joe Skinner lost his battle with cancer, the Knights held a moment of silence before the game.
  
• The Knights have added a #SkinnerStrong banner to the right field fence and placed a JS sticker on the back of their batting helmets.
  
• Skinner was diagnosed with B-cell acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (LAA) just two weeks after signing his baseball scholarship at UCF in November and lost his fight at the age of 17 on April 30. For more about his story click here.
  

"To see the baseball, Bishop Moore, UCF and Central Florida community and everybody support him, really shows the type of person that Joe was. Certainly, he was a great baseball player, but it is about way more than that. The impact that he has, and continues to have, on all of us is incredible. He always had a positive outlook and continued fighting till the end. Obviously, it is a very sad time, however, when you look at how much support he has had; to me, this celebrates the life of Joe."
-HC Terry Rooney

Five-Run, Two-Out Seventh Rally

• With two outs in the seventh inning, Matt Diorio singled up the middle before Austin Griffin drew a walk.
  
• A single through the right side by Ryan Crile cut the Knights' deficit to 5-4.
  
• After a walk drawn by Kam Gellinger loaded the bases, Tolleson delivered a grand slam to left that put the Knights on top for good, 8-5 .
  
• The fifth-year senior belted his third homer of the campaign.
  

"I was just looking to barrel the ball there. Luckily, he threw one that I could manage and handle and I put a good swing on it. Obviously, it feels good to put the team in the lead, but I have to give credit to the guys in front of me for getting on base."
-DH Sam Tolleson

"Our offense has been jump started the last couple of games. Our offense is designed to take advantage of doubles and home runs. We just needed some more extra bases hits and got them tonight."
-HC Terry Rooney

On the Hill

• The relief victory was picked up by senior lefty Harrison Hukari, who improved to 2-2 on the campaign.
  
• The St. Petersburg, Fla., native logged 2 1/3 innings and notched a pair of strikeouts.
  
• Junior Trent Thompson registered the save by pitching the ninth inning and striking out one.
  
• The Knights' starter Robby Howell went 5 2/3 frames and fanned four, while giving up two earned runs.
  

Noting the Bearcats

• Cincinnati was led by Treg Haberkorn with two hits, while Woody Wallace registered a pair of sac flies.
  
• Andrew Zellner (6-3) went 6 2/3 frames and fanned six batters, but was handed the loss.
  

Next Up

• The series continues on Saturday with the first pitch slated for 4 p.m. UCF rounds out the three-game set at 1 p.m. Sunday.
  
• The Knights complete a four-game homestand on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The contest will serve as the final Dollar Knight of the season with $1 hot dogs and sodas available at the concession stand.