Downed in the Finale

Box Score

May 8, 2016

Final Stats

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - After clinching the series with wins on Friday and Saturday, the Knights fell on Sunday to Cincinnati, 4-2, at the UCF Baseball Complex. UCF out-hit the Bearcats 8-to-2, but was unable to string together base knocks.

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After Cincinnati (22-25-1, 10-7-1 The American) scored twice to take a 4-0 advantage in the top of the fifth frame, UCF (24-25, 8-10 The American) started the bottom-half with back-to-back singles by junior third baseman Kam Gellinger and senior designated hitter Sam Tolleson. Junior outfielder Eli Putnam drove in a run on a fielder's choice before an error in the outfield following a singly be freshman outfielder Matthew Mika cut the deficit to 4-2.

The inning had a sudden end as the Bearcats' first baseman gloved a liner and touched the bag to turn a double play that retired the side.

The Knights' defense turned a pair of double plays, which included a tremendous individual effort by junior shortstop Brennan Bozeman, who caught a blooper in shallow left field and make a quick throw to second base that ended the eighth inning.

Another opportunity came for the Knights in the seventh inning that started with a walk drawn by Gellinger. Putnam connected on a double down the left field line, but a strong relay by the Bearcats erased the runner at the plate, which would have made it a one-run game.

UCF did not allow an earned run over five innings of relief tossed by junior Andrew Deramo and senior Harrison Hukari. Deramo notched a team-high three strikeouts. Starter Cre Finfrock went four innings and gave up a pair of runs on three hits.

Next Up

  • 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.
  • UCF heads to UConn for a three-game set that begins at 1 p.m. Friday. The Saturday matchup has the first pitch slotted for 1 p.m. Saturday, while the finale between the Knights and Huskies starts at noon on Sunday.