Mercer Falls in Series Finale

Sunday, March 20

Tampa, FL

1:00 P.M.

Mercer University

16-4

University of South Florida

13-7

Mercer

South Florida

Photo by: Mitch Robinson

3/20/2022 4:15:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

USF takes series with three-run ninth

TAMPA, Fla. – USF scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to upend Mercer, 3-2, and clinch the series Sunday afternoon at USF Baseball Stadium.

The Bears (16-4) took a 2-0 lead into the final inning.

Mercer reliever Luke Sutko retired the first batter of the frame, but then gave up a single and walked the next two to load the bases.

The Bulls (13-7) scored their first run of the game on Daniel Cantu's sacrifice fly.

Joaquin Monque was then hit by a pitch to load the bases again. Sutko threw a wild pitch that allowed Jackson Mayo to score the tying run with two outs.

After Jarrett Eaton was hit by another pitch to pack the bases, Carmine Lane grounded a 1-0 pitch through the middle of the infield that brought in Roberto Pena from third to score the winning run.

Sutko (2-1) suffered the loss after giving up three runs on two hits, two walks and two hit batters in the ninth.

Nolan Hudi (2-1) received the win after holding the Bears scoreless in two innings out of the bullpen.

Mercer grabbed the early advantage in the first after USF committed three errors. Collin Price's RBI groundout brought in Treyson Hughes for the game's first run.

After two silent stanzas, Price struck again with a solo home run in the fourth to double the lead.

The Bears were able to get runners in scoring position in three of the final five innings, but were unsuccessful in pushing them across the plate.

In all, Mercer stranded nine runners on the base paths, including six in scoring position.

A combined strong effort on the mound by Josh Farmer and Jackson Kelley wasn't enough for the Bears.

Farmer threw five scoreless innings, scattering four hits and striking out four. He handed the ball over to Kelley, who proceeded to shut down the Bulls in his three frames of work. Kelley punched out three, walked one and allowed only one hit.

Mercer Highlights:

B8 | WHAT A CATCH by @colby_thomas2 !! 

Runner on 1st, 2 Outs

Mercer 2, USF 0 pic.twitter.com/PTguXrZAVC
— Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) March 20, 2022

B7 | Freeze 'Em @Jacksonjk03 !!

Runner on 1st, 1 out

Mercer 2, USF 0 pic.twitter.com/ll8qZqsCKT
— Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) March 20, 2022

T4 | The Price is still RIGHT as @Collin_Pricee knocks his 2nd HR of the weekend over RF wall!

Mercer 2, USF 0 pic.twitter.com/CF7ApLfsoy
— Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) March 20, 2022

Records Update: » Mercer: 16-3 » GS: USF 13-7 Pitchers of Record: » Loss: Sutko (2-1) » Win: Hudi (2-1) Up Next: » Mercer will return to Macon to host a pair of mid-week games. The Bears will take on Charleston Southern Tuesday night at OrthoGeorgia Park, and then host Jacksonville State a day later. Both games will start at 6 p.m. Follow the Bears: For complete coverage of Mercer Baseball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBaseball (Twitter), /MercerBaseball (Facebook) and @Mercer.Baseball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.