Orlando, Fla. – The Knights offense was rolling in the series finale against Memphis on Sunday, picking up a seven-inning 10-run rule, walk-off victory, 17-5. The victory marks the first time this season the Knights have picked up a victory via run-rule this season.
The Knights offense got going early and didn't let up, jumping out to a 10-0 lead at the end of the third inning. UCF plated two in the first on Gephry Pena and Ben McCabe RBI singles, before scoring two more on a Jordan Rathbone big fly in the second inning.
Freshman, John Montes drove his first home run of the day over the right-centerfield wall for two RBI in the third. Jordan Rathbone picked up his first RBI of the day to drive in Tom Josten, before Alex Freeland hit a bases clearing double to drive in three more.
Starting pitcher Jack Sinclair tossed three innings of no-hit baseball, but the Tigers tagged him for a pair of runs in the fourth.
In the fifth, Pablo Ruiz delivered four more runs for the Knights in the form of a grand slam, extending the UCF lead to 14-2. With the threat of the 10-run rule looming over Memphis, they plated three runs in the seventh, staying alive in a 14-5 ball game.
In the bottom half of the seventh, John Montes launched his second home run of the day over the center field wall, driving in three, securing the 17-5 walk-off victory.
The John Montes ?? that sent us home with the walk-off dub ?? pic.twitter.com/xMhgbpYRo5
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) May 2, 2021
Winning Pitcher: Jack Sinclair (3-4)
Losing Pitcher: Blake Wimberley (2-7)
Top Pitchers: Jack Sinclair (5.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 K), Ryan Saltonstall (1.0 IP, 2 K)
Top Hitters: John Montes (3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI), Jordan Rathbone (3-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R), Ben McCabe (2-3, 2B, RBI, 3 R), Alex Freeland (1-2, 2B, 3 RBI)
Notes:
- With the victory, UCF has now won seven straight series against the Tigers. The Knights improve to 25-24 all-time against Memphis
- UCF's 17 runs is the second-most of 2021, and the third straight game scoring 10+ runs.
- The Knights finished the game with four home runs as a team, Jordan Rathbone and Pablo Ruiz each had one, and John Montes had two – including the walk-off winner.
- Jack Sinclair picks up his third win of the season with the 5.0 IP performance.
- John Montes' five RBI on the game is a career-high for the freshman
Next Up
The UCF baseball team will turn their attention to Wichita State next weekend for a four game set at John Euliano Park, beginning on Friday, May 7 with a doubleheader set to begin at 1 p.m.
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