University of South Florida
High Point
Merrell Strikes in Sixth to Lead Bulls to Victory
February 28, 2015 | Baseball
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Like USF Baseball on Facebook TAMPA (Feb. 27, 2015)— A bases loaded double by leadoff man Kevin Merrell was the game changer as the USF baseball team earned a 2-1 win over High Point Friday night. “This game was almost identical to opening night against Cal State Fullerton, including the same score,” head coach Mark Kingston said. “We got the big hit. Kevin Merrell had the bases loaded, two strike, two out, two RBI hit. We hit the ball hard a lot tonight and I thought we played a better brand of baseball today.” Jimmy Herget earned his second win after pitching six innings of four-hit ball. The junior RHP now has a 0.96 ERA and 23 strikeouts through 18.2 innings pitched. After five scoreless innings, the Bulls finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Levi Borders led off the inning, reaching base after being hit by a pitch. After Luke Borders flied out to right field, Austin Lueck singled up the middle. Zac Gilcrease drew a walk to load the bases for Merrell. With two outs, after Andres Leal popped up to shortstop, Merrell launched a double to right center to drive home Levi Borders and Austin Lueck. USF loaded the bases once again as Kyle Teaf drew a walk, but High Points third pitcher of the inning got the strikeout to end the scoring threat. The Panthers would cut the Bulls' lead in half a half-inning later as Chris Clare scored on a wild pitch. Tommy Peterson earned the save for the Bulls, pitching one inning of no-hit ball. Peterson and RHP Michael Farley struck out the last six batters to keep High Point from adding any more runs. “All three guys we threw out there had great stuff tonight and really competed,” Kingston said. “It starts with Jimmy who did what he always seems to do on Friday. Farley had really good stuff again coming out and then Tommy Peterson was dominant there at the end.” Austin Lueck went 2-for-3 on the night with one run, while Merrell went 2-for-4 with two RBI. The pair now lead the team with Merrell batting .333 and Lueck batting .303. The Bulls and Panthers return to the diamond Saturday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m., for game two of the series. For more information on the USF baseball team, follow @USFBaseball on Twitter.
- #GoBulls -
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| High Point | AB | H | R | RBI | BB | SO |
| Chris Clare | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
