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TAMPA (April 4, 2014) – USF allowed just five hits in the ballgame but couldn't muster any offense falling 2-0 to UCF Friday night in an American Athletic Conference contest at USF Baseball Stadium.

“Jimmy is one of the best pitchers in the country and he out-pitched their guy tonight, said head coach Lelo Prado.  “UCF got hits when they needed it and we didn't. Somebody has to step up and get a base hit in a crucial situation.”

UCF scored a run in the first on a two-out single to centerfield by James Vasquez that plated Derrick Salberg who walked and stole second base earlier in the frame.

Levi Borders picked up the Bulls first hit of the game in the fourth inning to break up Eric Skoglund's no-hit bid.

An inning later, USF loaded the bases as Vincent Miniet and Nik Alfonso had back-to-back singles and Michael Arencibia walked with one out.  Unfortunately for the Bulls, a foul out and ground out ended the threat.

USF again had an opportunity in the seventh inning getting a pair of runners into scoring position but were unable to push across a run.

UCF tacked on an insurance run in the ninth on a flare single to centerfield off the bat of Kam Gellinger.

Jimmy Herget (4-4) suffered the hard luck loss tossing 8.2 innings allowing two runs on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out nine batters.  Six different batters picked up a base hit for the Bulls.

Skoglund improved to 5-0 tossing eight shutout innings of five-hit ball.  Zach Rodgers earned his third save of the year tossing a scoreless ninth.  Vasquez picked up the game's only multi-hit performance going 2-for-4 with a run scored and run batted in.

The two sides are right back in action tomorrow evening for game two of the three game conference series.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at USF Baseball Stadium.