AMERICUS, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern capped a statement weekend Sunday afternoon as freshman
Johnny Nutt delivered a complete-game performance to lead the Hurricanes to a 2-1 victory over top-ranked University of Tampa at Hurricane Stadium and secure the series win.
The Spartans entered the weekend ranked No. 1 in the nation in both the American Baseball Coaches Association and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association polls and averaging 10.6 runs per game. Georgia Southwestern's pitching staff limited Tampa to just eight runs across the three-game series.
The Hurricanes improved to 14-9 on the season while Tampa fell to 16-3.
Nutt Goes the Distance
Nutt turned in one of the strongest outings of the season for GSW, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on six hits. The southpaw struck out two and walked three across nine innings, throwing 136 pitches.
The Spartans threatened throughout the afternoon but left 10 runners on base as Nutt repeatedly worked out of jams to keep the Hurricanes in control. He retired the side in order twice.
Tampa Strikes First
Tampa broke through in the third inning when Jack Martinez reached on a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. After a hit batter put two runners aboard, Jhoander Irigoyen delivered an RBI single through the left side to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead.
Nutt limited the damage from there, retiring Walker Vanecek to strand two runners.
Helgeson Answers with First Homer
GSW evened the score in the fourth inning when
Tripp Helgeson launched a solo home run to left field.
The blast came in just his fifth at-bat of the season and left the bat at 103 mph while traveling 343 feet. Helgeson finished the afternoon 3-for-4 at the plate to pace the Hurricanes offensively.
Melendez Delivers the Go-Ahead Shot
The Hurricanes took the lead in the sixth inning when
Edwin Melendez stepped to the plate with two outs and drove a solo home run to left field.
Melendez's third homer of the season traveled 390 feet and proved to be the difference in the contest, giving Georgia Southwestern a 2-1 advantage.
Melendez also finished with three hits as the Hurricanes collected 11 hits overall.
Hurricanes Continue Strong Offensive Streaks
Several Hurricanes extended impressive streaks during Sunday's win.
Drake Harman pushed his hitting streak to 14 games with a third-inning single.
Devon Murphy and
Kelsen Johnson both reached base safely for the 18th consecutive contest.
Closing the Door
Tampa mounted one final threat in the ninth inning after a leadoff walk, but Nutt remained composed. Following a fielder's choice and stolen base, the reigning three-time Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Week induced a flyout and a groundout to seal the victory.
Next Up
GSW resumes Peach Belt Conference play on Friday at the University of South Carolina Aiken for the first of three games against the Pacers.
