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MEMPHIS (April 18, 2015)— The USF baseball team dropped its first conference series after falling in the series finale, 6-4, against Memphis Saturday afternoon. The Bulls had won their first three series, including a sweep of Cincinnati before the loss this weekend.

USF still maintains a one-game lead over Memphis in the conference standings to hold onto sole-possession of first place.

The Bulls (26-14-1, 8-4 American) struck first in the top of the third on a Kevin Merrell RBI single. With one out, the Bulls recorded three straight hits as Andres Leal, Kyle Teaf and Merrell all singled. Merrell and Teaf executed a double steal to put two in scoring position, but a popup and strikeout stranded the pair.

Memphis (25-12, 7-5 American) responded in the bottom of the inning, plating two runs to take the lead.

USF tied the game in the sixth on a RBI fielder's choice by Buddy Putnam. The Borders brothers led off with back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners with one out. Putnam grounded to the second basemen, allowing Levi to score, and in an attempt by Memphis to turn a double play, both Putnam and Luke Borders reached as the Tigers' shortstop bobbled the ball.

Once again, the Tigers would answer right back, plating three runs in the bottom of the inning. Memphis loaded the bases with one out and used an RBI single to take the lead. A bunt single from Jake Overby scored Carter White on a questionable play at the plate. The final run was driven in on a sacrifice fly by Darian Tubbs to score Montgomery.

In the top of the eighth, Levi Borders led off with his second hit of the game and looked as though he might be stranded after back-to-back strikeouts. Putnam came in clutch, hitting a two-out double to the right field wall, scoring Levi from first and putting USF within two. Austin Lueck reached on an error to put runners on the corners, but a groundout to second base by Portales ended the Bulls' rally.

The Bulls once again attempted a ninth-inning comeback as Andres Leal and Teaf both reached to lead off. Leal doubled before coming home on a Teaf RBI single to centerfield. Merrell followed with a single straight back to the pitcher to put two on, but a double play and groundout ended the comeback attempt.

Teaf had the most productive day at the plate going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Levi broke out of his hitless-slump in the series, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

Michael Farley took the loss, giving up three runs on four hits while walking one and striking out three. Freshman starter Joe Cavallaro earned a no-decision, going just 2.1 innings and giving up two runs on two hits.

The Bulls are back in action against Bethune-Cookman, Wednesday April 22, at 6:30 p.m. Houston will come to town April 24-26 for the Bulls' fifth conference series of the season.

For more information on the USF baseball team, follow @USFBaseball on Twitter.

- #GoBulls -