CARY, N.C. — Call them champs – again.

The University of Tampa’s men’s baseball is once again at the top of Division II baseball after capturing its program’s ninth national championship last weekend.

The Spartans, the 2^nd seed in the championships, staged a comeback win with six runs in the sixth inning to defeat Angelo State 8-3 and claim the title.

UT finished the season 52-8 as it won its ninth national championship, tying it with rival Florida Southern for the most national championships in NCAA Division II. The Spartans have now won six national titles in the 2000's, more than any other school at any NCAA level.

The game's turning point came in the top of the sixth inning, where Tampa's offense exploded for six runs. This rally began with Brayden Woodburn scoring on E.J. Cumbo's single. Anthony Nunez then tied the game with a sacrifice fly, bringing in Nico Saladino. Stephen Klein delivered a clutch two-RBI double down the right field line, and J.P. Gates followed with a towering two-run homer to right-center, giving Tampa a commanding 7-3 lead.

Cumbo, the all-time hits leader in NCAA Division II, registered his 400th career hit inn the sixth inning. He became one of just three players in NCAA history to reach 400 career hits. He joins Phil Stephenson (Wichita State, 1979-82) and Khalil Green (Clemson, 1999-2002) as the lone players to reach the milestone.

Tampa's pitching was instrumental in securing the victory, with Alex Canney earning the win to improve to 14-3 on the season. 

Gates also was key on the mound.

Gates kept Angelo State off the board, limiting the Chicos to just two hits over four innings while striking out three to earn his fourth save of the season.

University of Tampa baseball players celebrate the team's 8-3 win against Angelo State Saturday in Cary, N.C. The win earned the UT program its 9th national championship in baseball. (Courtesy University of Tampa)