No. 24 UCF drops 9-3 decision to UNF

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) — No. 24 UCF scored three times in the second, but was unable to overcome North Florida's six-run sixth inning in a 9-3 loss Tuesday at the UCF Baseball Complex. Senior shortstop Dylan Moore paced the squad with three hits including a double.

For the second mid-week start in a row, sophomore Robby Howell (4-5) provided the Knights with an opportunity to win, by fanning four in 5 1/3 innings of work.

The Knights opened the scoring in the second inning with three runs on four hits. Senior right fielder Erik Barber started off with an infield single, then sophomore designated hitter Matt Diorio registered a base knock down the left field line.

After a walk drawn by freshman second baseman Kyle Marsh, the bases were cleared on a double by freshman catcher Logan Heiser down the left field line, 3-0.

North Florida cut into the Knights' lead with a run on an error and a pair of hits in the third inning. The Ospreys batted around in the sixth inning, scoring six runs on five hits and one error to take a 7-3 advantage, which included a three-run homer by Trent Higginbothem. The visitors added single runs in the seventh and eighth frames.

The victory was given to middle reliever Dan Vansickle (1-1), who tossed five innings and struck out three. Ryan Robertson went 4-for-4 with one RBI in the contest.

UCF heads to East Carolina for a three-game set that begins on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The first pitch on Saturday is set for 4 p.m., while the finale Sunday starts at 11 a.m.

WFTV