UCF (23-24, 7-9 American) has been in a state of flux all season, but one thing that has not shifted has been its ability to fight back — and its ability to hit grand slams.
UCF narrowly defeated Cincinnati, eking out an 8-7 victory on the back of a Sam Tolleson grand slam, and a three-hit game from Ryan Crile.
The Knights have been struggling with the bats averaging just more than three runs per game in conference play coming into the weekend, but they were able to break through for eight runs on 10 hits, and hit the elusive grand slam that has seemed to aid them so frequently this season.
Most of the time it is Austin Griffin, who has three slams this season, but for Tolleson and the rest of the Knights, it was their turn.
The Knights had multi-hit games from Crile (3-for-5), Tolleson (2-for-4) and Brennan Bozeman (2-for-5).
Tolleson’s grand slam put the Knights up 8-5 in the bottom of the seventh, but it was close until the final out.
Cincinnati had the tying and go-ahead runs on base with runners in scoring position in the ninth after compiling a bit of a comeback, but fell just short as Trent Thompson earned the save despite giving up two runs on three hits.
It was a surprising effort from UCF offensively due to their opposition’s recent success on the mound.
Cincinnati starter Andrew Zellner had just won the American Conference Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 25 after a complete game shutout against Memphis.
UCF was able to hit Zellner and his 2.15 ERA all night long as Zellner gave up six runs on nine hits in six and two-thirds innings. Tolleson’s slam knocked Zellner out of the game.
Robby Howell toed the mound for UCF on Friday for the third consecutive week, and again he was not his usual self. Howell had settled nicely into the Saturday role, but so far on Fridays, Howell has not been as unhittable.
Howell still performed very well though, allowing just two runs on two hits in five and two-thirds innings, but he did walk four batters, which is uncharacteristic for a strike-thrower like him.
Harrison Hukari got the win for the Knights in Friday’s game as he went two and one-third innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits, issuing zero walks.
Hukari threw 37 pitches in relief and was making his 28th appearance of the season. That is tied for fifth in the nation.
UCF showed they are capable of winning games against the top teams in the conference, and they will need to continue to showcase that if they want any hope for a conference title.
UCF will roll along on Saturday against Cincinnati with Juan Pimentel on the mound.
The Knights are trying to win a conference series for the first time since April 17.
