Friday, March 13
Tampa, Fla.
5:00 P.M.
Columbia
3
at
6
USF
Jack Kail's Late Homer Not Enough as USF Takes Series Opener over Columbia, 6-3
3/13/2026 8:45:00 PM | Baseball
Kail recorded three hits and a three-run homer in the defeat
TAMPA, Fla. — A six-run fifth inning proved to be the difference Friday night as Columbia fell to South Florida, 6-3, despite a three-run home run from Jack Kail in the eighth that sparked late comeback hopes.
Kail accounted for all three of the Lions' hits on the day, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate.
The Lions kept the game scoreless through the first four innings before the Bulls found a spark after drawing a pair of bases-loaded walks. USF struck first as Jacob Green powered a two-run single to start the rally, and put the Bulls in front, 2-0. Ryan Pruitt and Nathan Earley each recorded another RBI to extend the stretch to four before Eli Thomas capped the charge with a two-run single to right center to give the Bulls a 6-0 cushion.
Columbia mounted its offensive push in the eighth inning as Temesvary worked a leadoff walk before Brewer advanced after being hit by a pitch. Kail then delivered his first home run of the season, to cut the deficit in half.
Sophomore Alex Sotiropoulos (1-1) struck out six over 4.2 innings and was charged with the loss after allowing USF's surge in the sixth. Senior Evan Kleinhans tossed 3.1 scoreless innings while allowing two hits to prevent any further damage to close the game.
USF's Edwin Alicea (4-0) picked up the win after working for 7.2 innings, recording two hits and two runs while striking out three.
UP NEXT
Columbia will continue its series against South Florida in Tampa. With a doubleheader on Saturday, March 14, 2026. First pitch of the first game is slated at 12 p.m.
FOLLOW THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on X and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Kail accounted for all three of the Lions' hits on the day, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate.
The Lions kept the game scoreless through the first four innings before the Bulls found a spark after drawing a pair of bases-loaded walks. USF struck first as Jacob Green powered a two-run single to start the rally, and put the Bulls in front, 2-0. Ryan Pruitt and Nathan Earley each recorded another RBI to extend the stretch to four before Eli Thomas capped the charge with a two-run single to right center to give the Bulls a 6-0 cushion.
Columbia mounted its offensive push in the eighth inning as Temesvary worked a leadoff walk before Brewer advanced after being hit by a pitch. Kail then delivered his first home run of the season, to cut the deficit in half.
Sophomore Alex Sotiropoulos (1-1) struck out six over 4.2 innings and was charged with the loss after allowing USF's surge in the sixth. Senior Evan Kleinhans tossed 3.1 scoreless innings while allowing two hits to prevent any further damage to close the game.
USF's Edwin Alicea (4-0) picked up the win after working for 7.2 innings, recording two hits and two runs while striking out three.
UP NEXT
Columbia will continue its series against South Florida in Tampa. With a doubleheader on Saturday, March 14, 2026. First pitch of the first game is slated at 12 p.m.
FOLLOW THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on X and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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