USF Rallies to Beat UCONN in Opening Game

Andrew Barbosa pitched a gem and the offense got just enough as the Bulls took game one of the series.

The Bulls were down 0 to 2 early, but came back and won 3 to 2 over UCONN to take the opening game in the 3-game series.  USF is now 31-18 (14-8) on the season after the strong win. 

Andrew Barbosa was on his game tonight.  The hard throwing senior went 8 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and struck out 8 batters.  He attacked the strike zone all night and made life tough for a tough UCONN batting order.  Austin Adams finished the game working the 9th inning, fanning two batters. 

The offense got just enough to get the big win.  Alex Mendez went 1 for 4.  Luis Llerena went 1 for 4 with an RBI.  Andrew Longley went 1 for 3 with a run scored and drove in a run.  The big bat of the night went to freshman shortstop Kyle Teaf who went 3 for 3 with an RBI and scored a run, helping the Bulls take the lead late. 

The Bulls needed to get home to a strong start in this series and did so behind the arm of Barbosa and clutch hitting by Kyle Teaf.  USF will look to take the second game tomorrow, the first pitch is scheduled for 6PM.