FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU was unable to pull off late-inning heroics for a sixth time this season as a rally to overcome an Indiana State lead fell short in a 5-4 loss to the Sycamores Wednesday evening.

The host Eagles (8-1) suffered their first loss of 2026 after committing four errors and stranding 13 runners on base. Despite that, FGCU still almost pulled off the improbable against Indiana State (4-5).

Evan Dempsey and Javier Gorostola each contributed with an RBI for the Eagles, while the team collected 15 hits overall. The Sycamores took an early lead with three runs in the first inning and held on despite Florida Gulf Coast's persistent offensive efforts, which included a home run from Jeremy Comer in the fourth inning.

Wilfred Gonzalez made a strong start with four hits in five at-bats, including a double. Comer contributed significantly by hitting a home run and collecting two RBIs. Cole Lasher recorded three hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Ashton Pocol was effective on the mound, pitching two innings while allowing just one hit and striking out three.

Logan Baisley (0-1) was charged with the loss, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one in one inning on the mound. Colby Morse (1-0) claimed the win in relief for Indiana State, allowing just one run on five hits while fanning three in 1 2/3 innings. Spencer Johnsen (1) was credited with save after allowing just two hits over the final two innings.

Leadoff batter Andrew Ortiz led the patient Sycamore offense, drawing three walks and scoring two runs. Emil Estrella contributed with two hits and one RBI, showing his effectiveness with runners in scoring position.
 
Indiana State took an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Carter Beck doubled to right field, driving in Ortiz, while Estrella scored on a wild pitch. Beck later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeremy Martinez. The Sycamores added another run in the top of the second, as Ortiz stole home for a 4-0 advantage.

Florida Gulf Coast responded in the second inning when Comer hit a solo home run to right field, narrowing the gap to 4-1.

In the third inning, Dempsey doubled to left center for the Eagles and was brought home by Jon Embury's single, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Indiana State scored again in the fourth on Estrella's sacrifice fly, bringing Caden Miller home and extending its lead to 5-2. Florida Gulf Coast answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth when Lasher singled to center field, scoring Gonzalez and reducing the lead to 5-3.

The Eagles' pitching held the Sycamores scoreless through the fifth and sixth innings. In the seventh, Florida Gulf Coast continued to close the gap. Embury doubled and scored on Comer's RBI single, making it a 5-4 game.
The Green & Blue will face Boston College on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Swanson Stadium.

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Game Notes:

• Wilfred Gonzalez - Recorded a season-high 4 hits.
• Hyatt Richardson - Reached a season-high total of 46 pitches thrown.
• Cole Lasher - Recorded a season-high total of 3 hits.
• The loss drops the series with Indiana State to a 4-1 advantage to ISU.
• Florida Gulf Coast is now 14-14 all-time against Missouri Valley Conference programs.

 
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