TAMPA, Fla. – UCF Baseball had the tying run in scoring position in the seventh and eighth inning, but could not scratch the run across, as the Knights (28-18, 11-6) fell to South Florida (24-22, 5-12), 2-1 on Saturday. William Saxton was pegged with the loss after exiting the game following a near hour delay due to lightning in the area.
The Bulls struck first in the bottom of the first, hitting a solo shot to right field into the breeze to take a 1-0 lead. They added to their lead in the fifth on an RBI single to score the runner from second. Chase Centala entered the game following the weather delay, working the final six innings and striking out five. He allowed one run and gave up four hits.
UCF battled down the stretch, putting runners on in the final three innings of play. In the top of the seventh, Michael Brooks grounded into a double play, which was reviewed after originally being ruled a fielder's choice. On the play, Lex Boedicker scampered home to cut the Bulls lead to 2-1. Trent Taylor stood 90-feet from tying the game, but the Knights were unable to push him across, flying out to center field.
In the eighth, UCF once again had the tying runner in scoring position as Noah Orlando stood on second after an error allowed Ben McCabe to reach. The Knights ended the frame by striking out looking. UCF and USF will play for the series tomorrow afternoon in Tampa. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the USF Baseball Stadium.
SCORING MOMENTS
BOTTOM 1st | USF 1 – UCF 0 | USF takes the lead on a solo home run.
BOTTOM 5th | USF 2 – UCF 0 | South Florida adds to their lead.
TOP 7th | USF 2 – UCF 1 | Michael Brooks grounds into a double play, scoring Lex Boedicker from third.
GAME NOTES
- Chase Centala worked six innings in relief on Saturday, striking out five batters to hold the game to one run.
- UCF left eight runners on base this afternoon.
- Both sides struck out eight batters on the afternoon.
UP NEXT
UCF and USF will conclude the three-game set from the USF Baseball Stadium tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.