TAMPA -- Barry University’s baseball team struggled in all aspects of the game, and Tampa University took advantage from the start and never looked back.
The Bucs (15-17, 8-7 SSC) dropped the final two games of the series by scores of 21-1 in their most lopsided loss all season and 4-1 in the nightcap.
In game one, the Spartans scored early and often, plating runs in five of the first six innings, including a six-run third and an 11-run sixth. Before the Bucs could look up, they trailed 21-0.
Barry committed seven errors in the game, and finished with just five hits total. The Bucs' leader in wins, Jordan Wellander (5-4) took the mound in game one, but lasted just two innings after allowing eight runs. This was obviously uncharacteristic of Wellander, but the Buccaneers as a team struggled both at the plate and on the field.
The top-ranked Spartans took full advantage of the Bucs' miscues, as they scattered 16 hits en route to the win.
Unfortunately for the Bucs, game two was much of the same. Errors and consistent hitting from Tampa plagued the Bucs once again. Barry committed three errors in game two, and managed just three hits. Overall, the Bucs were outscored 35-2 in the three game series, and finished with 10 errors in all.
The Buccaneers' only run in game one came in the seventh when freshman Connor Oliveri scored on a wild pitch. In game two, Bryant Elliott drove in Julio Ramos on a ground ball to shortstop in the fifth inning for their lone run of the game.
Michael Slabach finished the doubleheader, going 3-for-7 with a pair of hits in game one and added another in the nightcap.
Brad McAllister (3-2) allowed four runs in four innings of work in a losing effort. Senior T.J. Mullins worked two scoreless innings in relief in game two.
Barry has now dropped two consecutive series in conference play, losing five of its last six. The Bucs will look to rebound this Tuesday when they travel to Jupiter, Fla., to take on Palm Beach Atlantic University before returning home for a weekend series against Rollins College.
First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 7 p.m. with live-stat and audio broadcast available through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM.