TAMPA, Fla. – Florida A&M (7-11, 4-2 MEAC) South was shutout for the first time this season. The Noles fall to South Florida (13-6-1)Sunday afternoon at USF Baseball Stadium 5-0. FAMU freshman starting pitcher Ryan Anderson (0-1) had a solid outing just giving up three runs in a season-long 5.1 innings of work for the loss. Anderson allowed five hits with one strikeout and one walk. The Rattler bullpen only allowed one earned run over the final 2.2 innings.
South Florida held the Rattlers hitless through five innings and only three hits on the day. Ryan Kennedy, Robby Jolley and Marlon Gibbs were the only hitters to manage hits against USF.
The Bulls scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 2-0 lead. Kyle Teaf singled up the middle to open the inning and Luke Borders singled through the right side to put runners on the corners with no outs. Teaf then scored from third as Buddy Putnam reached on a fielder’s choice. Putnam’s grounder went to first and first baseman Michael Birdsong tried to throw out Teaf at the plate but catcher Robby Jolley just missed the tag. With runners on the corners and one out, Luke Maglich’s slow roller, that barely stayed fair up the first base line, allowed Borders to score from third for the second run of the inning.
Florida A&M recorded its’ first hit of the game in the top of the sixth as Jolley singled through the left side to open the top of the inning. South Florida starting pitcher Joe Cavallaro quickly retired the next three batters to strand Jolley at first.
USF added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to increase its’ lead to 3-0. Putnam singled with one out and Cleveland Westbrook then came in to pitch for FAMU in relief of starter Anderson. Maglich singled and stole second as runners were now on second and third with two outs. Daniel Portales then walked to load the bases before Putnam scored the only run of the inning on a wild pitch.
South Florida scored two more runs in the seventh for the final score of 5-0.
Bulls starter Joe Cavallaro (3-0) pitched seven scoreless innings with two hits on seven strikeouts and just one walk.
The Rattlers return to action on Tuesday, March 17, at Georgia State in Atlanta, GA. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
***FAMU Athletics
