Double play dooms UNF

Tuesday, April 1

Jacksonville, Fla.

6:00 PM

University of North Florida

Georgia Southern

Tucker Pryor struck out a career-high nine batters on Tuesday.

4/1/2008 9:03:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Sophomore Tucker Pryor strike out career-high nine batters

By: Eric Scott, UNF Athletics

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Every time the University of North Florida baseball team was within striking distance on Tuesday, its opportunity was ended with the dreaded double play.

UNF (15-12) grounded into three rally-killing double plays in its 3-1 loss to Georgia Southern. The Ospreys' best scoring opportunity was in the bottom of the fifth inning, when they loaded the bases with just one out. But sophomore T.J. Thompson grounded into the 6-4-3 double play, which effectively took the wind from beneath the Ospreys' wings.

Senior Travis Martin put up UNF's lone run in the bottom of the fourth with his booming home run to right field. It was his fourth round-tripper of the season.

In contrast to the dull showing at the plate by the team, sophomore RHP Tucker Pryor put out a dazzling pitching performance in relief. In 4.1 scoreless innings of work, he caused GSU hitters to whiff left and right and racked up a career-high nine strikeouts while allowing just three hits.

The Eagles (16-10) got on the board first in the top of the second on an RBI single by Brian Pierce. GSU added two more in the top of the third to go up 3-0 when Ty Wright hit a home run to left center and Griffin Benedict hit an RBI sacrifice fly. With the win, the Eagles extended its win streak to four games over the Ospreys.

UNF's loss snapped its six-game home non-conference winning streak. Senior Chad Knight finished 3-for-4 with a double. Martin also had a double. Sophomore Jonathan Turner also had a solid night, tossing 2.1 innings of scoreless relief while allowing just one hit.

The Ospreys will return to action at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday against No. 13 Florida in Gainesville, Fla. The game will be aired live on WBOB-AM 1320 in Jacksonville. Live stats will be available on UNFOspreys.com. Ticket prices range from $4-8.