The UCF Knights lost 11-0 to the No. 1 LSU Tigers in seven innings on Sunday at VyStar Ballpark. The Knights finished the Live Like Lou JAX College Baseball Classic going 1-2.
“I think we challenged them this week,” UCF coach Rich Wallace said. “This is what is coming down the pipe in our league. If you want to get better, you have to play these types of teams.”
Knights third-baseman Javier Crespo led the team with three hits in the tournament, with the Knights only combining for 10 hits in 26 innings. Meanwhile, Tigers right fielder Jake Brown led the tournament with six hits and four RBI’s.
“Javier Crespo and some of the at-bats from guys that were not out there to start the year have really pushed the other guys,” Wallace said.
Game 1: UCF 4, Notre Dame 2
On Friday, UCF was down 2-0 late in the contest against Notre Dame after a home run by designated-hitter Dylan Passo and an RBI-single by shortstop Noah Coy. Irish reliever Chase Van Ameyde walked UCF first baseman Landon Moran, who advanced to third after a single by Mason Wilson. Knights third-baseman Javier Crespo flew out to right, allowing Moran to score the first run.
In the bottom of the ninth, down by one run, the Knights started the inning with Stephen Chucka reaching base on an error. With one out left, Knights captain Andrew Williamson tripled to tie the game heading into extra innings.
Moran reached base on a single to start the inning and Crespo was hit by a pitch to put two runners on, and both advanced into scoring position after a wild pitch. Florida State transfer James Hankerson Jr. came off the bench and brought both of the runners home on a single. UCF reliever Evan Jones struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th, securing the win.
“I’m proud of our effort to hang in there when it wasn’t going good for a long stretch of that game and figure out a way to keep it close and deliver at the end,” Wallace said.
Game 2: UCF 1, Indiana 6
Saturday saw the Knights fall behind 5-0 against the Indiana Hoosiers through five innings. Four of Indiana’s runs were scored off singles, with the teams only combining for two extra-base hits all game.
UCF would score their lone run in the sixth inning on a Crespo single, but would ultimately fall to Indiana 6-1. The Knights were 1/12 with runners on and 1/9 with runners in scoring position.
“[Crespo] is an absolute threat offensively,” Wallace said. “He’s a tough out and an experienced player. He’s a mature hitter and a factor in this offense.”
Game 3: UCF 0, LSU 11
Sunday was much the same for UCF, as they fell behind early against the reigning national champion LSU Tigers. After being held scoreless for the first two innings, the Tigers put up three runs in the third.
“[LSU’s lineup] is power up and down,” Wallace said. “They can play action baseball too. It’s a dynamic offense.”
LSU would then add on four more runs in both the fifth and seventh innings while shutting the Knights out en route to a run-rule. DeAmez Ross, UCF’s captain and their 2025 leader in batting average, failed to reach base in the tournament.
“This is a really well-run event,” Wallace said. “It does have a regional feeling. It’s probably a little better than that. It’s an elite event and we are very lucky to have been a part of it.”
Next Up
The Knights will look to shake off a tournament loss on Tuesday against the in-state Jacksonville Dolphins. Last season, UCF lost to the Dolphins in Jacksonville.
“We built this schedule this way so we can learn a little bit about ourselves,” Wallace said. “[We have to] find a way to get better in the heat of competition.”
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Feb. 24.