TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 3 ranked University of Tampa baseball team is set to host No. 5 ranked Delta State in the NCAA South Super Regional, featuring a matchup of the region’s top two teams.

The Matchup: No. 3 University of Tampa Spartans vs. No. 5 Delta State Statesmen

Date/Time: Friday at 2 p.m. | Saturday at 1 p.m and 4:30 p.m. (If Necessary)

The Records: Tampa (39-14), Delta State (42-12)

Location: University of Tampa Baseball Field | Tampa, Fla. | Directions

About the Spartans: Tampa took care of business last weekend in the NCAA South Regional winning out and earning themselves a bid to the NCAA South Super Regional. In the first game of the playoffs, the Spartan offense blew up for 18 runs on 17 hits against No.8 seed Spring Hill College. Senior shortstop, Nick Detringo had a career day finishing 4-4 with seven RBI and three runs scored. In game two, No. 3 ranked Tampa took down No. 8 ranked West Florida with a 9-1 win.  Senior ace, Keven Pimentel had a lights-out performance throwing seven scoreless only allowing four hits and improving to 11-2 with an ERA of 2.86. On the offensive side of game two, Stevie Mangrum finished with a perfect 3-3 day with an RBI and run scored. To win the NCAA South Regional, the Spartans beat SSC rival Nova Southeastern in a 12-inning nail biter, 6-5. Junior outfielder, Sam Freitas led the offense going 3-5 with two runs scored on the day. Head coach Joe Urso‘s offense is sitting at a .310 batting average on the season as outfielder Yorvis Torrealba leads the team with a .420 average, 11 home runs, and 22 stolen bases. There are six Spartans with five or more home runs on the year. Catcher Danny Sirven adds a consistent bat in the middle of the lineup hitting .358 with 50 RBI and five homers on the year. Mason Duke (9-0, 2.52 ERA) is expected to get the start Saturday while Tyler Beck (2.26 ERA, 10 SV, 51.2 IP) and Jacinto Arredondo (3.00 ERA, 36.0 IP) have proved themselves as the top bullpen arms. If there happens to be a game three, Tampa is expected to start James Reynolds who is 3-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 49.1 innings pitched.

About the Statesmen: Delta State enters the NCAA South Super Regional after winning out of their NCAA South Regional tournament. The Statesmen beat Embry-Riddle in the first round, 6-1. Delta State played Valdosta State in both game two and three eventually winning both games and advancing to the NCAA South Super Regional. As a team, the Statesmen is hitting .287 as catcher CJ Estave is leading the team with a .333 average and only nine strikeouts on the year. Sophomore second basemen, Jake Barlow adds 11 home runs, 53 RBI, and a .327 average to Gulf South offense. On the mound, Hunter Riggins is the ace, bringing an 11-3 record with an ERA of 2.03 and 81 strikeouts in 102.0 innings pitched. Seth Hougesen(9-0, 2.45 ERA) and Dalton Minton(11-3, 3.01 ERA) looks to be the game two and three starters if necessary. Out of the bullpen look for Tommy Childree(1.10 ERA, 8 SV) and Tyler Walton (0.68 ERA, 21 APP, 28.2 IP) to come out in tight situations for Delta.

Series History: The Statesmen hold a 6-4 edge in the all-time series.

Tickets: Tickets for are $10 for adults, senior citizens, and coaches. Children under 12 are $5. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID courtesy of student government.

Game Coverage: Fans may watch live at TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.

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Text Alerts: UT also offers a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.

Front Row: Download the official app of UT Athletics on the Apple or Android store. Look for Tampa Spartans Front Row app to receive notifications from your favorite Spartan teams. The app is completely free.