TAMPA, Florida (May 18, 2012) – The number eight seed Stillman continued its march in the regional as they defeated Nova Southeastern 6-4 in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Division II South Regional.
Nova Southeastern (34-14) got on the board in the top of the first inning as Nikko Echevarria scored on an RBI single by Javi Sujo. NSU scored again in the top of the second as Ray Navarro scored after Stillman committed two throwing errors after a groundout.
Stillman (31-16) got on the board in the bottom of the second as Paul Winterbottom singled and scored on a Landon Wilson groundout.
The Tigers exploded in the bottom of the third inning with four runs. After Trent Posey singled and Casey Hall reached on a error on a sacrifice bunt, Seth Booth singled on a bunt to load the bases. A walk issued to Dion Bryant scored Posey before Jarius Brown laced a double to clear the bases.
NSU would change the score board in the top of the sixth on an RBI double by Boyd to score Clements. Stillman would answer as Kameron McCreless doubled to left field to score Winterbotom, who reached on a walk.
NSU added a run in the top of the ninth as Areo Regoli doubled to right center field and scored two batters later. But a groundout to the right side of the infield ended the scoring threat and the contest.
For Stillman, Seth Booth went 2-for-4 with a run scored while McCreless also went 2-for-4. Josh Cagle worked eight innings (140 pitches) allowing 10 hits, three runs and three walks while striking out six. Tyler Vails worked the ninth for his first save of the season.
For NSU, Echevarria and Sujo each went 2-for-5 while Ray Navarro and Blake Boyd both went 2-for-4.
Stillman will move on to face the winner of the Delta State / Alabama-Huntsville game. The Tigers will be in action Saturday, May 19 at approximately 7:30 pm.