WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- It was a tough night for PBA baseball against Tampa University in their Sunshine State Conference opener. The game was tightly contested throughout, but the Spartans pulled away late, winning 2-1. 

Tampa came into this game ranked #4 in the country according to the NCBWA national poll. The story in this game was the pitching duel between Dan Beebe for the Sailfish and Michael Paul for the Spartans. Both pitchers gave their all tonight and showcased impressive performances. Beebe continued to show why he one of the most reliable options in the PBA bullpen. He would give up six of the Spartans' eight hits, but would work his way out of any major jam with five strikeouts to his credit. 

The Sailfish would be the first to get on the board in this game. Dre Llopiz would reach third base on an error by the Tampa defense. Jeremy Texel would contribute one of only four hits for PBA to bring Llopiz in to score. Tampa would respond in the fourth inning with back-to-back doubles down the left field line to tie the game up. The game sped along quickly, with neither team giving up an inch. 

The Spartans would turn the tide late in the top of the ninth after the Sailfish walked a run in with the bases loaded. PBA would try to make something happen in the bottom of the ninth, but the stifling relief pitching by the Spartans would seal the game. 

PBA takes on #4 Tampa again tomorrow in a double header starting at 12:00 pm.