Cincinnati eliminates Bulls, 13-2
CLEARWATER – If one moment encapsulated the frustration of USF’s up-and-down season, it was in the third inning of Friday’s Big East semifinal against Cincinnati.
Sophomore Shawn Sanford, given a key start after losing his job as the Bulls’ closer, picked a runner off first base and darted off toward the dugout in celebration. The only problem? It was only the second out.
The next batter, Cincinnati’s Mike Spina, sent a pitch off the Frenchy’s tiki hut in left field for a 2-1 lead, and two batters later, Justin Riddell hit a two-run double, helping the Bearcats to an easy 13-2 win that put them in today’s championship game and eliminated the Bulls.
“We didn’t play worth a flip against them,” USF coach Lelo Prado said. “They played better than us, they pitched better than us. The two teams that should be in the finals are. They deserve it.”
Even down 6-2 in the seventh, the sixth-seeded Bulls (31-26) had the bases loaded for senior first baseman Joey Angelberger, who grounded into one of three rally-crushing double plays for the Bulls.
“We had Joey in the right spot,” Prado said. “He’s been carrying us the last week and a half, so you can’t expect him to do it every time.”
Cincinnati followed the double play with a seven-run eighth, tagging three Bulls pitchers for six hits and triggering the 10-run mercy rule, ending USF’s season an inning early.
“Getting cut short an inning and getting embarrassed like that is never a good way to go out, but it happens,” Angelberger said. “Our young guys just need to learn from it and remember this feeling.”
USF has only four seniors, though juniors Daniel Thomas and Addison Maruszak are also likely draft picks. Of 35 players on roster, 27 were in their first season at USF, and Prado said the momentum of five wins in the last seven games will help next season.
“We’re making strides, and I’m happy for the freshmen, because this experience will help them next year and in the years to come,” Prado said. “I’m disappointed in the way some other guys played. Some other guys didn’t step up all year, and we needed them to do that.”
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
awww, c'mon boys!!!!
=/
Posted by: | May 23, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Whoops...that was my comment. My fat fingers typed faster than the computer could dispaly my pre-saved information.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | May 23, 2008 at 04:33 PM
WAS IT OVER WHEN THE CHINESE BOMBED PEARL HARBOR? HELL NO!!
Posted by: jarred | May 23, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Wow...Bulls baseball has a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go as far as having a shot at a Big East crown.
Posted by: RR | May 23, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Well it was an exciting season, and I had a blast all year. Congrats and thanks to all the guys for making the tournament. Gotta wait for next year now.
Posted by: jarred | May 23, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Im gettin bored Greg. What's the deal man? Big holiday weekend?
Posted by: jarred | May 25, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Man it is boring.
Maybe I should have went to some of these AAU events this year just so I could come on here and at least report who USF is taking a long look at.At least I know what to do next year around this time.
It is something most school forums/sites/boards/blogs do this time of the year when there is nothing being played on the court or the football field.There is always that dedicated or chosen person that does it.
Oh welll it was a lot of fun these previous months, so I guess a little down time isn't all that bad.
In the meantime I will just keep taking a look at and posting on some of the other sites around the nation just to pass the time, and update some personal /private affairs.
Posted by: The Champ | May 26, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Just not much happening, guys. I'll get something up tonight, and there's a few things to chase down Tuesday.
Posted by: G.A. | May 26, 2008 at 06:51 PM
They had a very good run, and will do even better next year. They're close.
Posted by: Ken | May 26, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Mike Jarvis to FAU a done deal. Hipsher stays, when are we getting 2 more assistants, since The Champ is not happy with what the other two are doing?
Posted by: Reality | May 27, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Jarred, I think you meant the "Germans" not the "chinese".
Posted by: GP | May 27, 2008 at 12:50 PM
It's supposed to be whatever they say of the loudspeaker at the bulls baseball games when its the bottom of the ninth and we are losing by alot. I thought it said "chinese".
Posted by: jarred | May 27, 2008 at 01:49 PM
No, its from Animal House.
Posted by: Jordan | May 27, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I chime in here more to say that I have a new post up, but also to remark at how little the words "Chinese" and "German" resemble each other.
And yes, if you like the motivational wisdom of John Belushi -- that's Jim's brother, young'uns -- then I'd heartily recommend "Animal House," available in the seldom-used middle area of your local Blockbuster. Oh, and don't forget to rewind!
Posted by: G.A. | May 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I realize it is obviously something the bulls came up with. I jus commented it when we were down jus like they would have at Red McEwen Field. But is it "Germans" or "Chinese"?
Posted by: jarred | May 28, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Lots of schools use the clip at games. Here's the original video from the movie. Found it on a site called Youtube ...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PpSFExhRdBA&feature=related
Posted by: G.A. | May 28, 2008 at 07:35 AM
ok yup GP was right its germans, mi malo
Posted by: jarred | May 28, 2008 at 01:19 PM
It is all good. But my love for this blog grows with every post like your plug for "Animal House".
Posted by: GP | May 28, 2008 at 01:45 PM