By KY-SHON HEPBURN

Special to GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA – USF (11-11) opened Big East play with an 8-3 victory over Cincinnati in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday.

“I'm just happy that our guys played with great energy,” said head coach Lelo Prado.

Starting pitcher Jimmy Herget (0-0) pitched four scoreless innings Friday night before the game was called due to inclement weather.

Left-hander Janick Serrallonga (1-0) took over Saturday pitching a career high four innings.  The junior pitched three scoreless innings before giving up three runs on four hits in the eighth inning.

“I know every time we give him (Serrallonga) the ball he's going to compete,” said Prado. “He did a great job.”

The Bulls got big hits from Chris Norton and Alex Mendez to help put the game away.  Norton recorded his third homerun of the season and Mendez went 4-for-4 with three doubles, three runs and one RBI.  Mendez raised his batting average to .341.

“They were a team today and they were fun to watch,” said Prado.