Images courtesy of Jorden Pompey | The Crow’s Nest
Despite a tough weekend from the Owls, the Bulls show promise as the season progresses.
The University of South Florida Bulls were swept in its conference matchup against Rice University at Red McEwen Field on April 21.
The Bulls were no match against the Owls explosive bats over the weekend.
Rice routed the Bulls 13-4 in game one on April 19. The Bulls were in a close battle in the first four innings of game two until the Owls ran away with the game winning 10-6 on April 20. On game three, the Bulls looked to turn it around but could not cool down the Owls’ bats.
“We didn’t play our best this weekend but there are definitely things we can improve on, but I think we all just need to come together and keep going,” junior shortstop Bobby Boser said.
Rice landed first in box score at the top of the second inning with one run. The Owls took control in the top of the third inning batting in five runs.
Sophomore pitcher Joey Volini was brought in to relieve starting sophomore pitcher Lawson Gailey. Volini posted a career high of nine strikeouts and did not allow an earned run in his four-inning appearance.
The bottom of the fourth, the Bulls’ bats came alive and cut the deficit to 6-3. Junior left fielder Marcus Brodil and junior catcher Matthew Buffington recorded a hit to bring in a run and senior right fielder Drew Butcher drew a walk with the bases loaded.
Boser made his return to the diamond after missing 22 games due to a hand injury. Boser went 1-8 in plate appearances in this series.
“I’ve been missing this game for a little while since I’ve been hurt, so coming back is the best feeling I could have. I have been in the rehab training room just grinding, trying to get back strong and then getting that range of motion back,” Boser said.
The Bulls currently stand in fourth place in the American Athletic Conference with a conference record of 7-8 and 21-19 overall.
Next up, the Bulls will face Florida Atlantic University from April 26 to 28 at Red McEwen Field.
