TAMPA, Fla. – Joe Urso took his Tampa Spartans across the country for a spring break trip that proved to be something far more than a series against Cal-State San Marcos. Sure, it was nice to take three of four from the Cougars. It was much nicer for the team to, well, come together as a team. After all, Urso had 19 new faces in the clubhouse and it may have taken a little time for all concerned to adjust. That was especially the case with the returning players.
“There can be some jealousies with returning players when there is a group of new players joining the team,” said Urso, noting his squad stayed in San Diego, 30 miles south of the university, went to the renowned San Diego Zoo and the beach, among other activities. “The trip provided an opportunity for them to see that these are my new brothers. They were able to have the full experience, have fun together off and on the field. It allowed everyone to move on from last year’s team.”
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Which brings us to this season’s club. The top-ranked Spartans (47-8) host a best-of-three South Super Regional against West Florida beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. Brayden Woodburn (.379), J.D. Urso (.366), the coach’s son, and Jordan Williams (.361), lead a team that is hitting a robust .323. On the mound, C.J. Williams (12-3, 2.87 ERA), Jake Stipp (11-0, 3.09) and Skylar Gonzalez (9-1, 3.80) each won at least nine games. Williams was named the Sunshine State Conference pitcher of the year.
While there are plenty of gaudy numbers in the lineup and the pitching staff, there is no mistaking the contributions from top to bottom.
“This season we have had different guys step up,” said Urso. “It’s new guys stepping up each day and there is so much team depth. It is not just relying on two or three guys to carry you every day, and it has been great to watch.”
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The Argonauts (36-19) are hot at the right time. They defeated No. 6 Delta State and twice topped No. 2 Florida Southern to win the South Regional. They are coached by Mike Jeffcoat, who is in his 20th season at Pensacola-based school, which he led to the 2011 national title.
“They are a very well coached team, a veteran coach who knows what it is like to win a national championship,” said Urso.
Game 2 of the series with West Florida is Friday at 1 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 will be Saturday also at 1 p.m.
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