ORLANDO, Fla. (March 1, 2026) – University of South Florida baseball (9-3) falls to UCF (5-5) 2-1 in Game 3 of the War on I-4. After this three-game weekend series, the Bulls lead the all-time record 41-40.
 
The low-scoring affair saw its first runs in the bottom of the second. Javier Crespo started things off for UCF with a single to center field. He later advanced to second from an error on a pick-off attempt. Landon Moran flew out to center field, which advanced Crespo to third on a tag. He was then driven in from a base hit through the left side by Cayden Gaskin. The score would remain 1-0 until the sixth.
 
South Florida battled back and tied the game in the top half of the sixth inning, which started off with a walk for Bradke Lohry. Jake Kulikowski grounded out to the pitcher, but an early jump on a steal attempt allowed Lohry to advance to second. Lohry, shortly after, stole third base on a throw to the pitcher from the Golden Knights catcher. He would later score when Eli Thomas hit a single to right field. The game would remain 1-1 until the bottom of the ninth.
 
UCF would break through again to win 2-1, starting with an Andrew Williamson walk. John Smith III would be hit by his second pitch of the game to his helmet, and Austin Jacobs would single through the right side to load the bases with no one out. Catcher Zak Sinner would deliver the final blow with a single through the right side to score Williamson. The Golden Knights win the game 2-1, the Bulls win the series, 2-1.
 
Landon Yorek made the start on the mound for the Bulls and recorded a quality start. The first three quality starts of the season for South Florida come in the three-game series against UCF. Yorek pitched just over six innings, giving up just one run on three hits. Kaden Smith received his first loss of the season.
 
Notables:
• Ryan Pruitt's hit streak comes to an end after starting the season with at least one hit in the first 11 games.
• Landon Yorek recorded a quality start on the mound.
• All three Bulls' starters of the UCF series earned quality starts, the first three of the season.
• Kaden Smith received his first loss of the season.
 
Up Next:
South Florida returns home with a 9-3 record to play Stetson on Tuesday, March 3rd. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
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About USF Baseball
The University of South Florida baseball program, founded in 1966, enters its 61st season in 2026. Head coach Mitch Hannahs returns for his second year at the helm after leading the Bulls to 32 wins in his debut season—the program's highest win total since 2018. USF also posted 16 victories in American Athletic Conference play, marking its best conference showing since joining the league.
 
Hannahs, a 2023 ABCA NCAA Division I Midwest Region Coach of the Year, was named USF's eighth head coach on June 8, 2024, after an 11-year run at Indiana State where he tallied 355 wins, six conference titles, and five NCAA Regional appearances.
 
USF has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a historic Super Regional berth in 2021. The Bulls have captured five conference tournament titles (three Sun Belt, one Metro, one American) and six regular season championships (three Sun Belt, two Metro, one C-USA).
 
The program continues to develop top-tier talent with 134 MLB Draft picks all-time, including three selections in 2025. Notable alumni include two-time MLB All-Star and 2018 first-round draft pick Shane McClanahan. Bulls have earned All-America honors 12 times and Freshman All-America recognition 19 times.
– #GoBulls –