ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Kicking off a consequential series in the Sunshine State Conference standings for both the No. 18 Nova Southeastern Sharks (27-14, 15-10 SSC) and Ecked Tritons (25-13, 14-8 SSC), Thursday night's series opener went fully to the Tritons at the Turley Athletic Complex, as Eckerd claimed a 10-0 victory.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Eckerd –
10, Nova Southeastern –
0
Records: Eckerd (25-13, 14-8 SSC), Nova Southeastern (27-14, 15-10 SSC)
Location: Turley Athletic Complex | St. Petersburg, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
Although the Sharks notched a pair of hits in the first three innings, NSU was unable to capitalize. A single key swing for the Tritons in the third pushed Eckerd out front early, as back-to-back singles set up a two-run Mitch Calandra double into left center for the 2-0 advantage.
After starter
Devin Meyer briefly quieted the Tritons, Mitch Donofrio made the most of a sixth-inning leadoff single, driving a two-out RBI single through the left side of the infield and sending NSU to the bullpen for
Gil Torres.
After Torres exited the game following a hard diving play in the seventh, the Sharks went back to the bullpen and the Tritons seized on the opportunity. In an inning that saw two batters hit by pitch, four walks, a balk and just three EC hits, the Tritons were able to string together a combined six innings.
One more run in the bottom of the eighth took the Eckerd lead to 10-0 where the game would close behind the complete game shutout effort of Dillon McCollough (W, 8-0).
STATS OF THE NIGHT:
- The Sharks' series lead over the Tritons moves to 51-16 with the loss.
- Although the Sharks collected seven hits on the night, NSU was 1-for-11 with runners and 0-for-4 in scoring situations.
- Second baseman Jeffrey Cyr paced six Sharks with a base hit, batting 2-for-3.
- The Sharks drew just one walk in the series opener.
- Meyer (L, 5-3) went a season-high 6.2 innings in the loss.
- Five pitchers appeared for the Sharks in the game.
- Thursday's outcome jumps the Tritons to the top of the SSC standings.
UP NEXT:
The series continues in Saint Petersburg on Friday at noon with a doubleheader at the Turley Athletic Complex. For complete coverage of the action, follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_Baseball or visit the
schedule page on NSUSharks.com.