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TAMPA, MARCH 23, 2014 – USF scored two runs in the seventh inning but couldn't overcome an early 4-0 deficit as the Bulls fell to UConn by a score of 4-2 Sunday afternoon in the American Athletic Conference series finale at USF Baseball Stadium.

“We have to play a lot better,” said head coach Lelo Prado.  “We have to pitch a lot better and we definitely have to hit a lot better. The one positive from this weekend is we played good defense.”

UConn (11-10, 1-2)got things going right away scoring two runs in the first inning which began with a flare base hit into right field.  After another single, Bobby Melley snuck one inside the first base line for a double into the right field corner plating both runs.

The Huskies tacked on to their lead in the fourth and fifth inning adding a run each frame.  In the fourth, UConn scored a run on a wild pitch while plating a run on a RBI triple an inning later.

USF (15-8, 2-1) threatened in the third inning thanks in part to a Husky fielding error but stranded a runner on third. 

In the seventh, Andres Leal (Tampa) broke up UConn's no-hitter with a single to centerfield which was followed by a Zac Gilcrease (Tampa) bunt single.  Joe Altieri (Tampa) then ripped one into right field and a mishandle by the rightfielder allowed Leal to score on the play.  Hayden Kelly knocked in the final run for the Bulls with a hard hit ground out to first base.

Brian Ward picked up his second win of the year for UConn going 6.2 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk.  David Mahoney earned his second save of the year tossing 2.1 innings of scoreless ball.  Melley, Bryan Daniello and Blake Davey each had two hits apiece for the Huskies.

Michael Farley (1-2) suffered the loss going five innings giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk.  He also struck out four.  The bullpen tossed four innings of shutout ball allowing only three hits.  Leal, Gilcrease and Altieri had the lone hits for USF.

The Bulls return to the diamond on Tuesday when they welcome FIU back to USF Baseball Stadium.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.