FORT MYERS, Fla. -
Jon Embury drove in four runs and went 3-for-3 at the plate as Florida Gulf Coast University dropped a 9-5 decision to Stetson University Thursday night in Atlantic Sun Conference baseball action from Swanson Stadium.
The Eagles (24-28, 14-14 ASUN) led early as Embury doubled off the wall in left to drive in a pair of runs in the first. Stetson would inch back with a run in the second, but
Anthony Ursitti would get a strikeout with the bases loaded to end the threat. Embury would get the run back in the third as his single scored
Evan Dempsey to make it 3-1.
Stetson (37-18, 24-4 ASUN) would take advantage of a pair of FGCU errors and a balk to score four times and take a 5-3 lead in the fourth. A two-run homer extended the lead in the seventh and another error helped the guests score two runs in the eighth to make it a 9-3 game.
In the ninth, FGCU came off the mat with a pair of runs and got the tying run on deck. Dempsey would lead off the inning with a homer to make it 9-4. With two men out, Embury completed his 3-for-3 night with a solo homer to left for a 9-5 lead. A hit batter and a
Mac Moise single would put the tying run on deck and force Stetson to go to its closer, but the Hatters would get the final out to earn the win.
Ursitti (1-4) took the loss for FGCU with four runs allowed on five hits. He would also record five strikeouts thanks in part to striking out the side in the third.
Dylan Cheeley and
Lucas Chantres combined to pitch two scoreless innings of relief.
Mason Davenport (1-4) earned the win for Stetson with two innings of relief.
The two teams will be back in action Friday at Swanson Stadium. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
