SB Nation Tampa Bay: All Posts by Paul Ciullo

LSU Vs. Vanderbilt Baseball: Gausman Pitches LSU To 2-1 Win Over Vandy

2012-05-12T04:23:18Z

Led by sophomore right-hander Kevin Gausman, the third-ranked Tigers were able to defeat Vanderbilt by a score of 2-1 Friday night at Alex Box Stadium. Gausman struck out 11 Commodores in notching LSU's first complete game of the season.

The Tigers scored both of their runs in the second inning, getting RBI's from Ty Ross and Tyler Hanover.

Though he suffered the loss, Vanderbilt starter TJ Pecoraro (0-4) also had and impressive outing, allowing only two runs on five hits in eight innings of work. The Commodores scored their only run in the top of the third inning on a single by Mike Yastrzemski.

With the win, the Tigers (39-11, 17-8 SEC) clinched at least a share of the SEC Western Division title and a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt is now 24-25 overall, 11-14 in the SEC.

Game 2 of this series is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday.

Follow this series at SB Nation Houston.

Royals Vs. White Sox: KC Has No Answer For Gavin Floyd In 5-0 Loss

2012-05-12T03:48:01Z

Led by the pitching of Gavin Floyd and the hitting of Adam Dunn, the Chicago White Sox were able to cruise to a 5-0 victory over the Royals on Friday night.

Felipe Paulino (1-1) was unable to replicate the succes he has against the Yankees in his first start of the season last week. White Sox slugger Adam Dunn hit his 11th home run of the season off of Paulino in the first inning to give his team a lead they would never relinquish. Alex Rios added a two-run triple in the sixth inning to give his team a 4-0 cushion. This hit chased Paulino from the game, as he gave up four earned runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Floyd improved his record to 3-3 with the win, allowing only five hits in 7 2/3 innings. Kansas City certainly had their chances, loading the bases in both the second and eight innings. However, in both instances the White Sox were able to pitch their way out of trouble as the Royals just couldn't up with the big hit on this night.

For more on the Kansas City Royals, check out Royals Review. For Chicago White Sox news and info, go to South Side Sox, and for more MLB coverage, check out Baseball Nation.

Texas A&M Vs. San Diego State Baseball: Aggies Win First Game Of Weekend Set 4-1

2012-05-12T03:18:48Z

Led by the stellar pitching of Michael Wacha, Texas A&M was able to defeat San Diego State by a score of 4-1 at Olsen Field Friday evening in College Station.

Wacha improved his record to 8-0 with the victory, and his pitching line for the night was impressive. He pitched into the eighth inning and allowed only one run on five hits, striking out eight Aztecs in the process. The Aggies scored all four of their runs in the third inning, getting key extra base hits from Mikey Reynolds, Tyler Naquin, and Troy Stein. Justin Hepner pitched well in defeat for San Diego State, only giving up one earned run in eight innings of work.

With the win, Texas A&M improved their record to 35-14 while San Diego State's record is now stands at 22-28. They will meet again tomorrow afternoon with Ross Stripling set to go for the Aggies against Michael Cerderoth for San Diego State.

For more updates follow this series at SB Nation Houston.

Rice Vs. UAB Baseball: Friday's Game Suspended Due To Weather

2012-05-12T02:54:41Z

Friday night's baseball game between Rice and UAB has been suspended due to weather conditions in the area. As a result of the weather situation, the game is now scheduled to resume at 1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday.

Once the game starts back up tomorrow it will be in the top of the seventh inning. The Owls currently hold a 7-2 lead in this Conference USA contest. Rice, which entered tonight's game with a record of 33-13 (13-5 C-USA), are trying to capture the C-USA regular season title. UAB has had a disappointing season to date (27-23, 7-11 C-USA) and is looking to finish the year on a strong note by capturing a win against a top tier program like Rice. The Owls are currently ranked fifth in the nation by Baseball America.

Saturday's regularly scheduled C-USA game is now scheduled to begin 30 minutes after the completion of the suspended contest.

Astros Vs. Pirates Recap: Houston Pitching Shuts Down Pittsburgh Bats In 1-0 Victory

2012-05-12T02:27:41Z

Bud Norris allowed only three hits in six solid innings of work as the Houston Astros were able to edge the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 1-0, taking the first game of the weekend series at PNC Park.

Right-fielder Brian Bogusevic led off the second inning with a single and later scored the only run of the night for the Astros. That was all the run support that was needed for Norris, as he fanned eight batters without issuing any walks in route to improving his record to 3-1. He got into trouble in the sixth inning but was able to pitch his way out of a bases-loaded jam by striking out two batters and inducing a pop out. Closer Brett Myers pitched the final frame, recording his ninth save of the season.

The second game of this series will on Saturday night, with Charlie Morton of the Pirates scheduled to pitch against J.A. Happ of the Astros.

For more on the Houston Astros, be sure to check out From The Crawfish Boxes. Pittsburgh Pirates news and info can be found at Bucs Dugout, and all your MLB news is over at Baseball Nation.

Sam Houston State Vs. Southeastern Louisiana Baseball: Friday's Game Rained Out, Doubleheader On Saturday

2012-05-12T02:03:22Z

Sam Houston State's pivotal clash with Southeastern Louisiana will have to wait another day. Friday's game, which was supposed to kick off at 6:30 p.m. was postponed due to the threat of rain.

The Bearkats and the Lions will now meet on Saturday at 2 p.m. and play a doubleheader at Don Sanders Stadium. Weather permitting, the two teams will finish up their series on Sunday. First place is at stake over the course of this weekend series, as Sam Houston currently leads the Southland Conference. Having won four out of their last five conference games, Southeastern Louisiana is right on their heels and looking to close the gap in the standings.

With a record of 20-7 in the Southland Conference, the Bearkats are looking to to capture their first conference title since 1989. The second-place Lions, who own a 17-10 record, are hoping to sweep the weekend series and force a tie with Bearkats.

Follow updates on this series at SB Nation Houston.

Players Championship 2012 Leaderboard: Three Tied For The Lead After Second Round

2012-05-12T01:27:07Z

The 2012 Players Championship featured Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson and Kevin Na tied atop the leaderboard Friday after another thrilling round of golf.

Johnson matched the best score of the second round, shooting a birdie filled round of 66. After a slow start Kuchar managed to play bogey-free over the last 13 holes of his round to finish with 68. Na played a steady round throughout, scoring a 69 for day.

One of the big stories after the second round is the number of top players who failed to make the even par cut. The list includes the world's No. 1 ranked player Rory Mcllroy, Vijay Singh, and Graeme McDowell just to name a few.

Two of the golf's biggest names, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, will each be trying to make a move in the third round. They are both currently tied for 30th place at 2-under par.

Local golfer Chez Reavie also failed to make the cut, finishing his round at 3-over par.

For more coverage of the Players Championship, be sure to check out The Waggle Room. Also check out our StoryStream here.

Players Championship 2012 Leaderboard: Jeff Maggert Tied For 17th

2012-05-12T01:07:10Z

After the first two days of the Players Championship, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, and Kevin Na sit tied atop the leaderboard. The three golfers will each begin moving day at eight under par, with numerous other players within striking distance.

One of the golfers within range and trying to make a run this weekend is Houston resident and Texas A&M graduate Jeff Maggert. Maggert shot a second round score of 71 and is currently at 3-under par for the tournament. He is currently in tied for 17th place with a slew of golfers, including such notables as Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, and Lee Westwood.

Notables missing the even par cut today were Rory McIIroy, Hunter Mahan, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, and defending champion K.J. Choi. Mcllroy has now missed the cut in each of his three appearances at The Players.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both currently at 2-under par for the tournament.

For more coverage of the 2012 Players Championship, be sure to check out this StoryStream. For updates and perspective on all things golf, visit Waggle Room or stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated golf hub.