Steelersforever.org
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times
0
0
The No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans have opened their 2026 title defense exactly how you would expect a national champion to start: with pure dominance. After sweeping the Montevallo Falcons at home last weekend, the Spartans remain undefeated at 5–0, having allowed a total of just two runs over their last 25 innings of play.
Coach Joe Urso, who recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Spartans by turning down interest from other programs, continues to prove why he has built a perennial powerhouse in the city of Tampa.
Game 1: Banner Night Brilliance
Before the first pitch, UT unveiled its 2025 National Championship banner and debuted a state-of-the-art new video board. Once the game started, sophomore Robert Satin ensured the celebration continued.
- The Mound: Satin improved to 2–0, tossing five innings of one-hit ball while racking up 12 strikeouts.
- The Bats: The Spartans exploded for 11 runs, led by shortstop Jesse Ponce, who went 2-for-4 with a towering two-run home run in the fourth.
- Final: Tampa 8, Montevallo 0.
Game 2: Hit Parade
While the scoring started a bit slower in the second contest, the offense eventually found its rhythm, pounding out 16 hits.
- The Star: Center fielder Jordan Evans was the catalyst, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
- Pitching: John Luke Glanton earned his second win of the year, allowing just one run on two hits over 4.2 innings. Reliever Sammy Beir was equally sharp, striking out four in relief to shut down any hope of a Falcon rally.
- Final: Tampa 9, Montevallo 1.
Game 3: The Long Ball and the Run Rule
The series finale was a display of raw power. The Spartans launched four home runs to trigger the NCAA run rule, ending the contest after seven innings.
- Home Run Club: Long balls came from Brayden Woodburn, Javi Soto, and a pair of blasts from third baseman A.J. Graham, who finished the day with 3 RBIs.
- Starting P: B.J. Bailey moved to 1–0 on the season, scattering four hits and allowing just one unearned run over five innings of work.
- Final: Tampa 11, Montevallo 1 (7 Innings).
📊 Spartan Season Snapshot
| Category | Stat |
| Record | 5–0 |
| Runs Scored | 51 |
| Runs Allowed | 4 |
| Home Record | 3–0 |
Next Up: The Post University Eagles
The Spartans now turn their attention to a three-game home set against the Post University Eagles. The series kicks off tonight under the lights, as Tampa looks to extend their season-opening winning streak to six.
Series Schedule:
- Friday, Feb 13: 6:00 PM (Night Game)
- Saturday, Feb 14: 3:00 PM (Red Out Game)
- Sunday, Feb 15: 12:00 PM (Greek Week Game)
What is your opinion on the three-game series for the University of Tampa? Leave a comment below.
For all your college baseball news, log on to ngscsports.com.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
- BaseballFebruary 13, 2026UT Spartans Baseball: Dominate the Montevallo Falcons
AAC BasbeallFebruary 12, 2026Bulls Eye the Prize: USF Baseball Set for Pivotal Year Two Under Mitch Hannahs
SoftballFebruary 6, 2026Bulls Eye Oklahoma City: USF Softball Primed for a Historic 2026 Run
AAC FootballJanuary 31, 2026USF Football Adding New Players to Continue Success
About the Author
