With the looks of a rejuvenated bunch, Florida Tech coasted to a definitive 16-2 win over Webber International in its regular season finale Wednesday evening. (FIT Image)
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – With the looks of a rejuvenated bunch, Florida Tech coasted to a definitive 16-2 win over Webber International in its regular season finale Wednesday evening.
Led by a pair of freshmen in starting pitcher Tim Whalen and catcher Ryan Sinzenich, the Panthers wrapped up their regular season slate with a stout 36-11 record, the program’s highest win total since 2010.
Whalen improved to 8-0 on the year after yielding only two hits in five innings of work, while Sinzenich tallied a season-high six runs batted in, including a sixth-inning grand slam that added an exclamation point to the night.
Greg Berkemeier
“It was a good outing by the guys,” said head coach Greg Berkemeier.
“We did a good job swinging the bats. Outside of about two innings, I thought we played very well, very clean. It was good to see us play the way we’re capable of playing again. Big time game there by Sinzenich offensively, and a good start by Timmy Whalen, giving us five scoreless. It was a good overall win.”
Making just his second career start, and 14th appearance overall, Whalen made quick work of the Warriors on Wednesday.
Entering the contest with a Sunshine State Conference-best 1.80 earned run average, the right-hander allowed only one baserunner to reach scoring position, adding four strikeouts along the way.
Ryan Sinzenich
Florida Tech opened the scoring in the top of the third inning on a Ricky Rodriguez sacrifice fly lifted into foul territory in deep right field.
After both Kevin Capella and Trent Masih reached to lead off the fourth, both advanced into scoring position on a rare balk call by the home plate umpire. Capitalizing on the opportunity, David Wilson collected his 26th RBI of the year on a sac fly to right center.
Florida Tech tacked on another run in the frame on an errant throw by the Warriors’ third baseman, making it 3-0 in favor of the Panthers.
Stepping in with the bases loaded in the fifth, Tyler Doughty was plunked in the side, increasing Florida Tech’s lead to 4-0. Sinzenich would then follow with a two-run single shot back up the middle, stretching the advantage to 6-0.
One inning later, Sinzenich provided the fireworks with a grand slam beyond the wall in left for his third big fly of the season.
The Panthers recorded four stolen bases in the winning effort, their most since their meeting with Lynn back on March 7.
With the wrap-up of the regular season, Florida Tech will now hope to hear its name called when the NCAA Tournament field is revealed on Sunday, May 10. The Panthers are currently fourth in the South Region, with the top six projected to receive a bid.
“Hopefully we can keep some momentum going,” added Berkemeier.
“We’ll see what happens here with the postseason bid, but like we’ve said, we have to get ourselves prepared and wish for a good result from the selection committee.”
