University of Tampa set to defend their World Series Crown

The University of Tampa secured its place in the NCAA Division II National Championship Series with a 5–4 win over top‑seeded West Florida at Jim Spooner Field. The victory lifted the Spartans to 46–8 and delivered another NCAA South Super Regional title. Tampa now heads to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina from May 29 through June 6 with a chance to defend its crown.

Spartans Chase Historic Third Straight National Championship

Tampa enters Cary as the two‑time defending national champion and stands one step away from becoming the first Division II baseball program to win three consecutive national titles. The program already owns an NCAA Division II‑best 10 national championships and added its 22nd South Regional or Super Regional crown with Friday’s win.

Early Offense Sets the Tone

West Florida opened the scoring with a two‑run single from William Lybrook in the first inning. Tampa answered immediately when Jordan Evans singled, Brayden Woodburn walked, and Jake Books doubled to center. Walker Vanecek followed with a two‑run single to tie the game at 2–2.

Midgame Momentum Swings

Tampa moved ahead in the sixth when Jhoander Irigoyen doubled and later scored on an RBI single from Gunnett Carlson. West Florida reclaimed the lead in the eighth after two hits and a Tampa error created a 4–3 advantage.

Clutch Rally Sends Tampa to Cary

The Spartans responded again in the bottom of the eighth. Books singled to start the inning, and Jesse Ponce delivered a game‑tying RBI single. Two batters later, Jack Martinez lined a single into left to score Dennis McCaffery with the go‑ahead run. Luke Fikar struck out the final batter in the ninth to seal the win and send Tampa back to the championship stage.

Pitching Strength Carries the Night

B.J. Bailey delivered 7.1 innings with six strikeouts and kept Tampa in control throughout the middle frames. Fikar earned the win with 1.2 innings of sharp relief and three strikeouts.

Top Performers Fuel the Victory

Books reached base twice, scored two runs, and sparked multiple rallies. Vanecek tied the game in the first with a key two‑run single. Ponce reached three times and delivered the eighth‑inning equalizer. Martinez drove in the winning run. Carlson and Irigoyen combined to create the sixth‑inning lead. Woodburn reached twice and scored. Evans opened the first‑inning rally. Pereira and McCaffery provided crucial pinch‑hit and pinch‑run contributions.

Tampa Prepares for Another Championship Run

The Spartans now shift focus to Cary, where they aim to complete a historic three‑peat. The team enters the finals with momentum, depth, and championship experience. Tournament schedules and opponent matchups will be finalized as regional play concludes.