Photo Credit: tampabayspartans.com
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The No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans entered the third week of February with a perfect 11–0 record, fueled by a high-octane offense that made short work of their Sunshine State Conference (SSC) rivals. However, the team’s first trip outside the state of Florida proved to be their toughest test yet, resulting in their first blemish of the season.
The SSC Opener: Spartans Tame the Lions
Tampa opened conference play at home against Saint Leo, a team they had handled with relative ease in 2025. This year’s meeting saw the Spartans secure a convincing series sweep, outscoring the Lions 48–18 over three games.
Game 1: Tampa 12, Saint Leo 1
For the first three innings, both teams were locked in a scoreless pitching duel. However, the Spartans’ bats ignited in the middle frames, led by Jordan Evans and Javi Soto.
- The Surge: Tampa exploded for nine runs between the 4th and 6th innings.
- Standout Performers: Evans went 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a triple, while Brayden Woodburn chipped in two hits and two RBIs.
- On the Mound: Robert Satin earned his fourth win of the year with five dominant, scoreless innings.
Game 2: Tampa 20, Saint Leo 11 (Doubleheader Opener)
In a historic offensive display, the Spartans hung 20 runs on the board for the first time in 2026. After a scoreless start, Tampa erupted for five runs in the 3rd, followed by a combined 14 runs in the 5th and 6th innings.
- The Stat Sheet: The Spartans tallied 17 hits, including a grand slam by Walker Vanecek. Jordan Evans continued his tear, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
- Lions’ Fight: Saint Leo refused to go quietly, putting up a seven-run 8th inning, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
Game 3: Tampa 16, Saint Leo 6 (Series Sweep)
For the first time this season, the Spartans faced a significant early-game deficit as the Lions jumped out to a 6–0 lead by the 2nd inning.
- The Comeback: Unfazed, Tampa answered with a seven-run 3rd inning to reclaim the lead for good. They added four more in the 4th and held Saint Leo scoreless for the remainder of the game.
- The Star: Jordan Evans capped his monster weekend with a 3-for-6 performance, driving in five runs to secure the sweep and a 3–0 start in SSC play.
Road Reality Check: The Savannah State Upset
Riding an 11-game winning streak, the Spartans traveled to Georgia to face the Savannah State Tigers. In a stunning turn of events, the nation’s top-ranked offense was completely silenced at Tiger Field.
- The Shutout: Despite recording nine hits, Tampa was unable to bring a single runner across the plate.
- The Tigers’ Pounce: Savannah State capitalized on timely hitting, scoring two runs in the 3rd and two in the 4th. They added three insurance runs in the 8th to seal a 7–0 shutout victory.
- The Streak Ends: This marked Tampa’s first loss of 2026, ending their bid for a perfect February.
What’s Next?
The Spartans (11–1) remain on the road as they return to Florida for a crucial three-game SSC series against the Lynn Fighting Knights. Tampa will look to regain their offensive rhythm and maintain their grip on the top spot in the conference standings.
What are your thoughts on the Spartans continuing their dominance after one loss? Leave a comment below.
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Author Profile
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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.
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