The University of Southern Indiana baseball team stunned the fourth-ranked University of Tampa with a walk-off, 4-3 victory Friday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI watched its record go to 20-16 overall, while Tampa ends the game 31-6.
USI freshman centerfielder Bryce Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) sent the Screaming Eagle fans home happy with the game-winning, bases-loaded, RBI-single in the bottom of the ninth, scoring senior third baseman Sam Griggs(Evansville, Indiana). Bryce Krizan finished game with a team-high three hits, a run scored, and two RBIs.
The Eagles had set the stage for the walk-off single with walks to junior first baseman Jayden Beshears(Evansville, Indiana) and Griggs and a bunt single by junior catcher  Logan Brown (Evansville, Indiana). Freshman pinch-hitter Aaron Euler (Evansville, Indiana) kept the bases loaded and tied the game, 3-3, with a RBI-walk to setting up Bryce Krizan to knock in the game-winner.
USI opened the scoring in the first and second innings with RBI-singles by senior first baseman/pitcher Nick Gobert (Jasper, Indiana) and Bryce Krizan. The Spartans rallied to tie the score, 2-2, with a pair of runs in the sixth and took the lead, 3-2, with a single tally in the seventh.
On the mound for USI, Gobert posted his team-high fourth win in relief of junior right-handed starter Austin Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana). Gobert (4-2) went three innings for the win, allowing no runs and striking out two.
Austin Krizan threw a strong six-plus innings in getting a no-decision. He allowed the three Tampa runs on eight hits, while striking out five.
The Eagles and the Spartans continue the three-game series with a 6 p.m. first pitch Saturday at the USI Baseball Field. The series concludes Sunday with a noon start.
