The University of South Florida baseball team gathered on Senior Day at Raymond James Stadium, hoping to cap a roller‑coaster season with a win that would keep their postseason hopes alive. Instead, a ten‑inning thriller against Wichita State ended in a 10‑9 defeat, sealing the Bulls’ exit from the conference tournament.
Senior Day Showdown at Raymond James Stadium
The game sparked early excitement when Nathan Earley launched a two‑run homer in the bottom of the first, tying the contest and igniting the crowd. Earley’s bat has been hot lately, delivering a home run in three of his last four appearances, and his timely hit set the tone for a back‑and‑forth battle.
Jacob Green added to the drama with a clutch double in the ninth that scored two runs, knotting the score at 5‑5. He also stole a base earlier in the game, showcasing his speed on the bases and keeping the Bulls’ rally alive deep into the night.
Wichita State, however, answered in the top of the tenth with three runs, pulling ahead and ultimately securing the win. The Shockers’ late surge clinched a coveted spot in the conference tournament, leaving the Bulls to reflect on a season marked by both promise and near‑misses.
On the mound, Dominic Pontbriant opened the game with three solid innings, followed by reliever Will Allen who matched the effort with another three‑inning stretch. Edwin Alicea took the loss in his third consecutive appearance, finishing the year at 6‑5, while the Bulls’ defense struggled to contain the Shockers’ late rally.
Before the first pitch, the team honored its seniors in a brief ceremony, recognizing the contributions of players such as Nathan Earley, Jacob Green, Jackson Mirza, Bradke Lohry and others who have shaped the program over the past few years. The ceremony underscored the emotional weight of the day, blending pride with the disappointment of a season that fell just short.