Box Score (PDF)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of South Florida offense was the story in the finale of the Best Bet Classic this afternoon. The Bulls racked up 19 hits and went on to defeat North Florida (2-1) by the score of 12-1 to remain unbeaten at 3-0 on the season.
 
The Bulls strung together four-straight, multiple run innings beginning in the top of the fourth. USF methodically placed the ball all over the diamond, accumulating the most hits by a UNF opponent since May 10, 2010. Only three of the Bulls 19 hits went for extra bases.
 
UNF starting pitcher Corbin Olmstead cruised through the first three innings, striking out four batters. The Bulls bats awoke in the fourth, with three singles to lead off the inning and load the bases. Back-to-back two-RBI singles by Zac Gilcrease and Michael Arencibia put USF in front 4-0 and forced an early exit for Olmstead.

The USF bats continued right where they left off in the next inning, starting the frame with three-straight hits to once again load the bases. The Ospreys defense limited the damage, allowing runs on a fielder's choice, a sacrifice fly and eventually a single by Gilcrease but, gave the Bulls a 7-0 lead. Gilcrease finished the day going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs.
 
The UNF offense that produced 15 runs in the previous two games was held in check over the first seven innings by the combination Brandon Lawson and Michael Farley. The duo was able to scatter six hits in the first seven turns at the plate for the Ospreys. Sophomore Donnie Dewees continued his hot hitting going 1-for-3 with the team's lone RBI. Dewees has drove in a run in each of the Ospreys' first three games and leads the team with six on the young season.
 
Dewees' RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning that scored Kyle Brooks accounted for the lone Osprey run in the contest. Freshman Alex Merritt got his second start of the season and went 3-for-4 in the loss. He is now a combined, 5-for-8 in his first two collegiate games.
 
The first extra-base hit of the contest for USF didn't come until the bottom of the sixth when Levi Borders drilled a ball into right center field. The Bulls tacked on two runs in the sixth and two more in the top of the seventh to jump out to an 11-1 lead.
 
The Bulls starting 7-8-9 hitters combined to go 4-for-8 with two runs scored and six RBIs. Lawson was credited with his first career win in the game, striking out four and allowing five hits. Brandon Murray and Tommy Peterson tossed the last two innings for the Bulls, surrendering two of the Ospreys eight hits.
 
UNF will hit the road on Wednesday night to take on in-state foe, Florida in Gainesville. The two teams split the season series last year. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium.