The University of South Florida baseball team lost to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Game 2 of their three-game conference series, as announced on April 18. The Bulls were defeated by the Blazers with a final score of 12-6.
This result affects South Florida’s standing in the American Athletic Conference, where they now hold a record of 6-8. UAB took an early lead and maintained momentum throughout the game. Notable performances for South Florida included Lance Trippel, who homered for the second consecutive game and extended his reached base streak to 22 games, and Jevin Relaford, who went four for four with three runs scored and stole his 25th base of the season.
The Bulls tied the game at three runs each in the third inning after home runs from Trippel and key hits from Relaford and Ryan Pruitt. However, UAB responded strongly in later innings, highlighted by JP Head’s three-run home run that helped extend their lead. Jake Kulikowski added a solo home run for South Florida but it was not enough to close the gap.
Michael Senay started on the mound for South Florida but allowed six runs over five-and-two-thirds innings and received his second loss this season. Several other pitchers appeared during relief efforts as UAB continued to add runs through late innings.
South Florida Baseball is part of University of South Florida Athletics, which supports student-athletes across 21 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division I sports while promoting leadership and community involvement according to its official website. The athletics program has produced 22 Olympians representing 13 countries according to its official website, earned 156 conference championships according to its official website, captured 17 national championships according to its official website, promotes values such as inclusion and equity according to its official website, features updated venues across several sports according to its official website, and is linked directly with participation in the American Athletic Conference according to its official website.
Looking ahead, South Florida will face UAB again on Sunday, April 19th for Game 3 as they attempt to avoid being swept in this series.
