The South Florida baseball team left New Orleans on Sunday with a series loss after falling 9-5 to Tulane in a high-stakes conference showdown. Despite a late-inning surge that briefly tied the game, the Bulls (30-20, 9-15 American) couldn’t hold off a Green Wave offense that secured the series victory two games to one.
South Florida entered the top of the seventh trailing, but Nathan Earley continued his hot streak by launching a two-run home run to put the Bulls on the board.
Earley has been the focal point of the Bulls’ lineup lately, finishing the series with a staggering 9-for-15 clip, including four doubles, two homers, and nine RBIs. Shortly after Earley’s blast, the Bulls managed to knot the score at 3-3.
However, the momentum shifted back to Tulane (25-28, 10-14 American) almost immediately. In the bottom of the seventh, Jason Wachs answered the Bulls’ rally with a three-run home run, a blow that allowed the Green Wave to regain a lead they would not surrender.
READ: USF Bulls Baseball Stampede Late To Snatch Series Finale From FAU
The Bulls got solid production from several other bats in the lineup. Lance Trippel turned in a 2-for-3 performance with two RBIs, while Bradke Lohry contributed a pair of doubles and an RBI. Matt Rose and Jevin Relaford also chipped in, with Rose going 2-for-3 and Relaford adding a double to the box score.
On the mound, Ethan Sutton stepped out of his usual closer role to make a rare start. Sutton delivered a quality start for the Bulls, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four.
The trouble began in the seventh when Landen Yorek took over in relief. Yorek was credited with the loss, dropping his season record to 1-2. Edwin Alicea, Lawson Gailey, and Nakni Anna also threw in relief to finish out the contest.
This loss leaves South Florida in a precarious position as the regular season reaches its conclusion. The Bulls currently sit at 9-15 in conference play, placing them just outside the top eight spots required to qualify for the American Conference Championship.
The team returns home to Tampa this weekend for a pivotal final series against Wichita State, who currently hold the seventh spot in the standings. With postseason contention still on the line, the Bulls will kick off the series Friday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at USF Baseball Stadium.
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