ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Despite six shutout innings by starter Jordan Spicer, the UCF baseball team could not clinch its final series of the regular season on Friday night, falling to Houston 2-0.
Spicer posted his second straight quality start for the Black and Gold. The senior dealt six strikeouts and scattered five hits. Matching his career high for innings pitched, Spicer recorded the longest start of his career without allowing a run.
Neither side could break the deadlock through the first six innings of play. The Knights put runners in scoring position in each of the first three frames, but Houston starter Clay Aguilar worked his way out of the jam each time.
Spicer faced his share of nail-biting scenarios to start the game. Houston threatened with runners in scoring position in three of the first four frames, including a bases loaded spot in the third. The righty stranded all the runners with a pair of strikeouts and a groundout.
After the Knights held the Cougars scoreless for the first 15 innings of the series, Houston broke the deadlock in the top of the seventh on a two-run home run by Joe Davis. Both runs were unearned.
UCF (33-20, 10-13) – 0, Houston (32-21, 12-11) – 2
Winning pitcher: Sean Bretz (2-1)
Losing pitcher: Garrett Westberg (2-5)
Top hitters: Matthew Mika (3-4, 1 BB), Chandler Robertson (1-1, 2 BB)
Top pitchers: Jordan Spicer (6 IP, 6 K, 5 H, 0 R), Garrett Westberg (3 IP, 3 K, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER)
NOTE
• The Knights will head to a rubber match on Saturday, their 10th of the season.
• UCF is 4-5 in rubber matches this year.
• Friday was Jordan Spicer’s 12th start of the year, 10 of which have been no decisions.
• The Knights were shutout for the second time this season.
• Matthew Mika’s three-hit performance was his first of the year and his 63rd career multi-hit game.
• Both teams stranded 12 runners.
UP NEXT
The regular season finale is set for 6 p.m. tomorrow night. Starting at 5:30 p.m., UCF will honor its 12 senior members, 10 players and two managers, in a pregame ceremony.
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