Tampa, Fla. (February 25, 2007)- Manhattan had its most productive offensive game of its series with Big East member University of South Florida, but the Jaspers dropped a 13-1 decision this afternoon in the series finale at Red McEwan Field on the Bulls' campus.
After a scoreless first innings, South Florida got on the scoreboard first on an RBI groundout, and added two runs in both the third and fourth innings to open up a 5-0 lead and chase Manhattan starter Mike Gazzola.
The Bulls would extend their lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth before Manhattan got on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth. Eric Nieto led off the inning with an infield single, and advanced to third when Nick Derba followed with a double. When the South Florida outfielder mishandled the ball, Nieto came around to score.
The Bulls would add a single run in the seventh, and six in the eighth to provide the final margin.
Four of the five Manhattan hits came from the top of the lineup, with Matt Rizzotti (2-4) garnering a multi-hit afternoon.
The Jaspers get back in action next weekend, playing a three game series at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. beginning Friday, March 2.
