AIKEN, S.C. – Zach Gawrych went 3-for-3 and scored a pair of runs to lead top-ranked Tampa to a 7-2 win over Shepherd University in the Prestige Appliance Classic at Roberto Hernandez Stadium on Sunday.
The Spartans plated four runs in the second inning with RBI-doubles by Connor Obrochta and Orlando Rivera keying the rally.
Tampa added a run in the third as Gawrych doubled and later scored on a single by Jacob Tillotson.
Shepherd got a run in the third as junior catcher/third baseman Spencer Wolfe (Huntingtown, Md./Huntingtown/USC Aiken) led off with a single and later scored when senior outfielder Ryan Messina (St. James, NY/Smithtown East/Tampa) grounded into a fielder's choice.
The Spartans scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth as Nick Tindall singled and later scored on a wild pitch, while Tillotson reached base on an error and was plated on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Stephen Dezzi.
The Rams scored the game's final run in the fifth when senior shortstop T.J Weisenburg (Hedgesville, W.Va./Martinsburg) singled, moved to third on a single by senior outfielder Michael Lott (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge), and scored when Lott got picked off attempting to steal second base.
Wolfe and Weisenburg each had a pair of hits to lead the Rams.
Tampa starter David Heinz (2-0) picked up the win. Relievers Jake Meilock and Marcus Crescentini held the Rams scoreless in the final four innings. Sophomore starter Sam Crater (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York/Frederick CC) (0-1) took the loss for the Rams. Sophomore reliever Jamie Driver (Broad Run, Va./Kettle Run) tossed four scoreless innings for the Rams.
Shepherd falls to 0-3, while top-ranked Tampa improves to 6-0. The Rams return to action on Saturday when they host Pitt-Johnstown for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Fairfax Field.
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