The University of South Florida (USF) baseball team opened its 2026 season with a 9-4 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday in Tampa. The Bulls now hold a 1-0 record, while Illinois falls to 0-1.
Illinois took an early lead in the third inning after junior shortstop Michael Farina hit a solo home run and catcher Will Johannes singled to score Jack Zebig. A fielding error allowed another run, putting Illinois up 3-0.
USF responded in the bottom of the third when Jake Kulikowski drove in two runs with a base hit, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
In the fifth inning, Jevin Relaford walked and was brought home by Ryan Pruitt’s triple. Joey Brenczewski then singled to score Pruitt, giving USF a 5-3 advantage.
Illinois added one more run in the sixth as Farina doubled and scored on another double by Zebig. However, USF maintained its lead.
The Bulls extended their advantage in the seventh inning. A walk allowed Nate Earley to score, followed by Jacob Green reaching on a fielder’s choice for another run. Relaford then tripled, driving in two more runs for a final score of 9-4.
Nolan Bernard earned the win for USF after pitching three innings and allowing just one run on two hits. Dominic Pontbriant secured the save with three shutout innings and only one walk allowed. Edwin Alicea started for USF and recorded six strikeouts over three innings.
Key statistics from the game include two-hit performances from both Jake Kulikowski and Jacob Green. This marks USF’s first home victory against Illinois.
USF will play Illinois again on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
Mitch Hannahs is entering his first season as head coach after being named to the position on June 8, 2024. Hannahs previously coached Indiana State to multiple conference titles and NCAA Regionals over eleven seasons. The Bulls’ program began in 1966 and has appeared in fourteen NCAA Tournaments, including its first Super Regional berth in 2021. The team has produced numerous MLB draft picks, including Shane McClanahan—a former first-round pick who became a two-time MLB All-Star.
