Photo Credit: Bradley Walker NGSC Sports
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The USF Bulls, coming off their first loss in nine games, played the second of a three-game series against the Rice Owls under a beautiful, cloudless blue sky with a pleasant breeze. It was the first day of spring, and there was no better way to celebrate than with an afternoon baseball game at Red McEwen Field. The stands were filled with fans, mostly supporting the home team, though the Owls were well represented. Before the first pitch, the USF lacrosse team was competing against the James Madison University Dukes at Corbett Stadium right across the street. The cheers of the fans carried from venue to venue, and by the end of the contest, the happiest fans were those cheering for a Bulls victory.
As the game began, both teams completed batting and fielding practice. The USF Bulls wore their home dark green tops with neon yellow numbers and white pinstripe pants, while the visiting Rice Owls wore blue tops with grey pants and blue hats. Michael Senay took the mound for the Bulls, having been named the American Conference Pitcher of the Week just seven days prior. He had a smooth first inning, allowing USF to take an early advantage. A series of hits, ignited by senior centerfielder Ryan Pruitt, allowed Pruitt to come around and give the Bulls a 1–0 lead. After that initial run, the game became a defensive struggle, and no further scoring occurred until the eighth inning.
It was a pitching-dominated afternoon. The Owls pulled their starting pitcher, Ryland Urbancyzk, after just 2 1/3 innings with the bases loaded. Brayden Sharp entered the game and successfully escaped the jam, firing up his dugout as he left the field. One of the newest Bulls, Jevin Realford, hitting ninth in the lineup, later notched a triple but was unfortunately stranded after a pinch hitter fouled a ball off his own helmet for an out. USF left runners on base in every inning; had they been able to drive them home, the game might have been a blowout, but Sharp remained dominant in relief. On the other side, Senay was equally untouchable. The Bulls finally added an insurance run on a fielder’s choice by Realford in the bottom of the eighth.
That gave the USF Bulls a 2–0 lead heading into the final frame. Senay remained on the mound and appeared ready to go the distance until he allowed his third and final hit of the afternoon. At that point, he was pulled after a masterful 8 2/3 innings, allowing only three hits and one walk while racking up nine strikeouts and no runs. The fans in the stands were vocal about their displeasure regarding his removal, with only one out left to get. Ethan Sutton was brought in to close the door; he allowed one hit but secured the final out to record the win for the Bulls. USF is now 1–1 in conference play and moves to 16–2 at Red McEwen Field. The Bulls also added to their national lead in sacrifice flies during the contest. The teams will now meet in a rubber match on Sunday afternoon to decide the series.
What are your thoughts on the USF Bulls’ win over the Rice Owls? 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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