March 18, 2011

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Despite a strong offensive output at mid-game, the Wildcats' rally on South Florida in game two of the series fell just short, with the Bulls taking the second game, 11-9. An early deficit and errors proved to be a roadblock for B-CU, who remained in the game until the very end.

The 'Cats got off to a tough start, playing from behind from the first frame, as USF built up a lead with consecutive innings of three, one, and three runs to take a 7-0 lead by the third inning.

Paul Biocic got B-CU rolling in the third inning with a single to center, followed by a quick steal. Two batters later, with Biocic and Brandon Turner on, Alejandro Sanchez fired a home run over the left field fence to slash the deficit to four. Next up, Peter O'Brien put a solo homer over the left center field fence to make it 7-4.

In the fourth, after reliever Montana Durapau wrapped up the USF order with three consecutive strikeouts, the Wildcats went back to work on offense. Taking his first at-bat since subbing in at first base, Anthony Stokes put another long ball out of the park in left center, making it a one-run separation at 7-6.

USF was quick to respond, tacking on three more in the top of the sixth and another in the eighth.

B-CU put up a run in three of the final four innings, but was shut down in the final frame, as USF held on for the 11-9 win.

Making the most of the opportunity, Stokes led the Wildcats with 3-3 hitting and 4 RBI on the night. Sanchez went 2-4 with 2 RBI, while Matt Wright also hit 2-4.

The loss moves B-CU (9-11) to 1-1 on the series with USF (8-10). Play against the Bulls continues over the weekend, with two games in Tampa, starting Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

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