It's the final regular season home series for the Bulls as
they look to close out the season strong.
For the seniors, it will be the last time they take the field as a
Bull. Let's take a moment to honor the
seniors that will be taking the diamond for the last time at home.
Andrew Barbosa - LHP - L/L 6-8 235 Sr. - San Juan, Puerto Rico - (Riverview HS)
The tall, hard throwing senior returned for the 2012 season after his 2011 campaign was cut short due to Tommy John surgery. In 2011, Barbosa started just 2 games, pitching 10 innings, allowing 8 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and struck out 13 (0-1) before the surgery ended his season. Barbosa has returned strong and has become the ace of the staff once more. This year he is 6-4 with a 2.29 ERA while working 70.2 innings, allowing 36 hits, 17 walks and has struck out 90 batters (holding opponents to a .155 batting average against him). Barbosa is one of the many reasons the Bulls are playing better this season.
Todd Brazeal - 1B - R/R 6-3 230 Sr. - Tampa, FL - (Chamberlain HS)
Brazeal returned for his senior season, providing key power to the middle of the Bulls batting order. In 2011, he batted .258 with 10 doubles, 5 home runs, and drove in 36 runs. Brazeal knew his numbers could improve and the batting order would need his bat this season. This year he is batting .246 with 3 home runs and has driven in 25 runs. While the production has slightly dipped, he is still a feared bat in the lineup that opponents typically pitch away from.
Andrew Longley has been a solid catcher for the Bulls over his career, playing split duty with others. Last season he hit .234 with 4 home runs and had 20 RBIs. This year he is batting .216 but has 6 home runs and has 18 RBIs. His power numbers are starting to heat up down the stretch, showing his skill and what he has brought to the field every game he has played in.
Loynaz has pitched in a lot of games for the Bulls, coming in for late game situations or in pressure packed areas where he has pitched out of trouble. In 2011, he pitched in 16 games, totaling a record of 0-1 with an ERA of 4.38. He worked 24.2 innings, allowing 26 hits, walking 14 and struck out 17 batters. This season, he has appeared in 5 games (3.86 ERA) working 4.2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and has struck out 4 batters.
Reed has been a solid pitcher for the Bulls over his career. He is not an overpowering pitcher, but places the ball well and eats up innings. In 2011, he had a record of 5-4 with a 4.11 ERA. He worked 65.2 innings, allowing 64 hits, 28 walks, and struck out 21 batters. This season he is 3-3 (2.53 ERA) while working 57 innings, allowing 53 hits, 13 walks, and has struck out 14 batters. He took the mound in the fun friendly game against the New York Yankees and was clutch in the win over then second ranked Florida in Gainesvile.
Rockhold moved from catcher to 3rd base this season and has improved on his 2011 numbers. Last season, he batted .194 in 20 games (limited with injuries) with 2 home runs and had 7 RBIs. This year, he is batting .238 with 6 home runs, 9 doubles, and has 25 injuries, battling through a wrist injury that has held him out most of the games down the stretch. He is a powerful bat that gives the USF offense more life.
Llerena ends his solid career as one of the most dependable bats for the Bulls. Last season, he batted .270 with 6 RBIs, playing solid 2nd base defense along the way. This season, he had to battle with Kopack to win the 2B job, but the hard work and competition has payed off for him. He is batting .264 with 9 doubles and has 22 RBIs, coming up with huge hits when the team needs him the most.
Stultz missed the 2011 season as he covered from shoulder injuries, but the hard work he put into his recovery paid off this season. Stultz has been one of the strongest starters for the Bulls this season. He leads the team with his 7-1 record (3.39 ERA) while working 69 innings, allowing 57 hits, 20 walks and has struck out 50 batters. He has returned to form this year to give the Bulls one of the best pitching rotations in the Big East when teaming up with Barbosa and junior Joey Lovecchio.
We tip the cap to the senior class and wish them the best of luck whether they head to the MLB level or somewhere else in their careers.
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