Box Score TAMPA, FEB. 14, 2025 – University of South Florida baseball lost in a 10-inning game with Illinois, 4-2. Both the Bulls and the Fighting Illini are now 1-1, both seeking a series win tomorrow.
South Florida got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs,
Ryan Pruitt singled to right field, which was followed by a
Jevin Relaford walk.
Matt Rose was next up to bat and reached first on an error by Illinois third baseman Kyle Schupman. The ball, now being chased down by Fighting Illini first baseman AJ Putty, enticed Rose to pursue second base, where he was thrown out. All the while, Pruitt was able to score from second base, giving the Bulls a 1-0 lead to end the third.
Illinois third baseman Schupman singled with one out early in the top of the fourth inning, and shortly after, stole second base. Next to bat was first baseman Putty, who hit a home run to left field. The top half of the fourth would end with the Fighting Illini leading, 2-1.
Pruitt singled right up the middle to open the bottom half of the sixth inning, and shortly after, stole second base. Relaford then reached on an error by Illinois pitcher, Regan Hall, advancing Pruitt to third base. Rose then grounded to shortstop, thrown on to second for Relaford to be out, but the throw to first was not in time, allowing Pruitt to score, tying the game at 2.
The final scoring of the game wasn't until bonus baseball. In the top half of the 10th inning, second baseman Michael Farina singled with one out. Next up to bat was pinch-hitter Will Johannes, who hit a home run to left field. Illinois would hold onto the 4-2 lead for the remainder of the game.
Illinois pitcher Kyle Remington got the win, and South Florida pitcher
Nakni Anna received the loss. Kyle Smith started the game for the Bulls and pitched 4 innings, allowing six hits and four runs.
Michael Senay relieved Smith, going on to pitch five innings, recording six strikeouts, and giving up 3 hits.
Key Stats:
• USF opens the season 1-1.
•
Ryan Pruitt had two hits on the day.
• The Bulls are now 4-6 all-time against Illinois, 1-4 at home.
Up Next:
USF faces Illinois for the third and final game of the three-game series on Sunday, February 15. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Tickets:
Tickets to watch Bulls baseball at the USF Baseball Stadium may be purchased by calling 1-800-GoBulls or clicking
HERE.
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About USF Baseball
The South Florida Baseball program played its first season in 1966 and will enter its 60th campaign in 2025. Mitch Hannahs was named South Florida's eighth head coach in program history on June 8, 2024, after compiling 355 wins over 11 seasons at Indiana State. The 2023 ABCA NCAA DI Midwest Region Coach of the Year guided the Sycamores to six conference titles and five NCAA Regionals. The Bulls have made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and earned their first-ever Super Regional berth in 2021. The Bulls have won five conference tournament titles (3 Sun Belt, 1 Metro and 1 American) and six regular season championships (3 Sun Belt, 2 Metro and 1 C-USA). USF baseball players have been recognized with All-America honors 12 times and 19 Bulls have earned Freshman All-America accolades. USF has had 131 MLB Draft Picks. Former 2018 first-round draft pick, Shane McClanahan, is a two-time MLB All-Star.
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