DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of North Florida baseball team was unable to get things rolling on Tuesday night as the Ospreys fell, 7-0, on the road to Bethune-Cookman at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Offensively, North Florida managed just four hits on the day. Michael Smith, Alex Bacon, Shane Kennedy and Michael Wesner each had a hit a piece in the ballgame to lead the Ospreys. In addition, Smith added a pair of walks on the night, while Kennedy also drew a free pass.
On the mound, Paul Karmeris took the loss for the Ospreys. The sophomore went 4.2 innings, scattering seven hits. He used three double plays by the UNF defense to put zeros on the scoreboard for the first four innings. Karmeris struck out a pair without issuing a walk. He allowed four runs, but only one runs was earned.
Casey Medlen entered the game in relief. The senior tossed 1.1 innings allowing three runs with no earned runs on three hits. Medlen allowed a walk and struck out two batters. Josh Patton threw a scoreless inning, allowing no hits. Brandan Keen worked a scoreless eighth inning allowing one walk and striking out one.
Bethune-Cookman was the first team to threaten. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the leadoff batter singled to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position – the first runner of the night to reach second base on the night for either team. A fly ball to center field allowed the runner to advance to third base, but a fly ball to left field ended the inning and the Wildcat threat.
North Florida threatened in the top of the fifth inning, but was unable to scratch the scoreboard. Kennedy led off the inning with a walk. Kennedy moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Kyle Dahl. The Ospreys were unable to advance the runner any further as a strikeout and a groundout ended the inning.
The Wildcats broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. Four consecutive singles loaded the bases and allowed the first run of the game to score. An error by the Ospreys allowed the second run to score and left the bases loaded. The third run of the inning came across as the next batter hit into a double play. After a walk, preseason All-American Peter O'Brien cleared the bases with a three-run homer to left field. A groundout ended the inning with the Ospreys trailing 6-0.
Bethune-Cookman added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, the next batter doubled to right field. After a popup, the next batter singled up the middle, but an error by the Ospreys allowed the lead runner to score from third base. A strikeout ended the inning with North Florida down 7-0.
In the ninth inning, T.J. Gavlik reached base because of a fielding error by the Wildcats. He moved to second on a single by Wesner to right field. The duo would advance no further as Bethune-Cookman was able to escape the inning without allowing a run.
North Florida returns to action on Wednesday night as UNF takes on USF in a nonconference match up at Dusty Rhodes Field at Harmon Stadium. Wednesday's game will be aired on the radio on WHJX 105.7 FM. The game will also be streamed live on ASun.TV. Live stats will be available.
Wednesday's game is “PJ's in the Park.” PJ's in the Park is you're opportunity to wear your favorite PJs out to support the UNF baseball team. There will be a $50 Visa gift card given away to the fan with the best PJ's in the Park outfit.
