FORT MYERS, Fla. – Vincent Samuel delivered a walk-off win Tuesday for Florida Gulf Coast University baseball over Florida Atlantic at Swanson Stadium to end a seven-game skid for the Eagles.
After four and a half scoreless innings, FGCU (9-16) ended the game's scoreless drought, and it started when Robert Moya doubled with one down. He later came around to score off of Vincent Samuel's RBI single up the middle to make it 1-0.
The lead did not last long as FAU took its first lead of the night with a two-run home run in the top of the sixth, going in front 2-1.
Headed to the bottom of the eighth and trailing by one, Jon Embury tripled to right field. He later scored off an Aidan Corn pinch-hit single through the left side to tie the game at two. The Owls threatened with the go-ahead run on third but were unable to capitalize as the Eagles escaped a no-out, bases-loaded jam in the top of the ninth.
With the game tied at two and down to their final three outs in regulation, Mac Moise got things started with a double to center. Then Harrison Povey singled to right, which allowed Moise to take third. With runners on the corners and no outs, Moya was intentionally walked to load the bases. FAU was looking for the force out at home, but Samuel had other plans as he drove in the game-winning run with a single to center to give FGCU the 3-2 walk-off victory.
Florida Atlantic entered the midweek contest 19-5 on the year and was receiving votes in the latest collegiate baseball rankings.
Eight of the nine starters in the lineup for the Eagles tallied at least one hit apiece. Samuel finished the night going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while Moya tallied three walks to pace FGCU.
Starting pitcher Hunter Possehl struck out six in five and a third innings of work while allowing two runs on six hits. Reliever Anthony Ursitti picked up the win to go to 1-2 on the season. He allowed one hit and struck out four in three and two-thirds of an inning.
FGCU travels to Jacksonville this weekend for a three-game series with conference rival North Florida. Game one of the series takes place Friday at 6:30 p.m.
