FORT MYERS, Fla. – For FGCU's
Jaret Nelson, it was quite the birthday. Facing a 2-1 count with two on and two outs in the first, he sent the ball over 376 feet over the left field fence in his first at-bat of the game. It was the spark that ignited a forest fire.
The Eagles (8-0) exploded for 17 runs on 13 hits and used an 11-run fifth inning to run-rule Indiana State (3-5) in a 17-1 (7 inn.) win on a chilly Tuesday evening at Swanson Stadium. It marked the program's first win over perennial NCAA Regional participant Indiana State and extended FGCU's overall winning streak to 12 games (dating back to last season) matching the second-longest win streak in program history.
Indiana State, who did itself no favors by issuing six walks and hitting four batters, suffered its worst loss in two years since a 20-4 (7 inn.) defeat at Vanderbilt in 2024.
Nelson led the team with three RBIs and three runs in a 2-for-2 performance at the plate.
Evan Dempsey collected three hits, including two doubles, and drove in four runs.
Cayden Hessemyer posted two hits and three RBIs, while scoring twice.
On the mound,
Preston Rogers (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings, matching a career-best four strikeouts and earned his first win of the season. He led a quintet of Eagles pitchers that allowed just one run on two hits all game. ISU's Owen Roberts (0-1) was charged with the loss, allowing five runs on five hits.
Nelson reflected on the Eagles' decisive win against the Sycamores, emphasizing the team's collective effort.
"At the end of the day, we were just next guy up, next guy up, whether it was no outs, one out, two outs, it was just next guy up," Nelson said. Highlighting the team's approach, he added, "We have guys up there wearing pitches, and there's not a lot of organizations out there that preach that like we do. It paid off tonight just getting in and having gritty at-bats."
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The Eagles started strong against the Sycamores with a three-run first inning.
Javier Gorostola drew a two-out walk then
Jeremy Comer was hit by a pitch before Nelson hit a three-run homer to left field.
In the second inning, Cole Lasher reached on a one-out walk and took advantage of a Roberts wild pitch to move to second.
Evan Dempsey then doubled down the right field line, bringing Lasher home to extend the lead to 4-0.
ISU got on the board in the fourth inning when Carter Beck scored on a groundout, but the Eagles responded in the bottom half.
Tyler Herb reached on a fielder's choice, and Dempsey doubled again, allowing Herb to score. Gorostola's groundout then brought Dempsey home, making it 6-1 Florida Gulf Coast by the fourth inning.
FGCU's offense erupted in the fifth inning, adding 11 runs on seven hits. Nelson walked and advanced to third on a flyout, then scored on Hessemyer's single. The Eagles loaded the bases multiple times, and key hits included a two-RBI double from
Jon Embury and an RBI double by Gorostola.
"We come out every night, and we handle business, so that's what we're looking to do," Nelson said of his team's mindset. "That's what we did tonight. That's what we're trying to do tomorrow, too."
The two teams are set to conclude the two-game midweek series on Wednesday at Swanson Stadium with a 6:30 p.m. scheduled first pitch. Both teams projected starters remain to be determined.
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Game Notes
- This marks the program's first win over the Sycamores in five tries.
- Florida Gulf Coast is now 14-13 all-time against Missouri Valley Conference programs.
- The Eagles handed ISU its worst defeat since a 20-4 (7 inn.) loss at Vanderbilt on Feb. 27, 2024.
- The 11 runs scored in the fifth inning by the Eagles are the most in an inning since scoring 14 in the second inning against FAU in 2024.
- Cayden Hessemyer - Registered a season-high total of 2 runs.
- Hessemyer - Achieved a season-high of 3 runs batted in.
- Tyler Herb - Recorded at least 2 runs batted in for 2 consecutive games.
- Callaway - Recorded 3 pitching strikeouts swinging for the first time this season.
- Rogers - Achieved a season-high total of 4 strikeouts swinging.
- Juan Santos - Recorded a season-high total of 4 putouts.
- Jon Embury - Recorded 2 runs batted in for the second consecutive game.
- Jeremy Comer - Recorded 2 or more runs in 2 consecutive games.
- Nelson - Scored a season-high 3 runs.
- Nelson - Recorded at least 2 hits for the second consecutive game.
- Nelson - Notched 3 runs batted in for the second straight game.
- Dempsey - Recorded a season-high total of 3 hits.
- Dempsey - Achieved a season-high total of 4 runs batted in.
- Dempsey - Has scored at least 2 runs in back-to-back games.
- Elliot Cadieux-Lanoue - Pitched a season-high of 1 inning.
- Cole Lasher - Recorded at least 2 runs in 2 consecutive games.
