JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – FGCU's
Evan Dempsey and
Javier Gorostola each hit home runs but that would not be enough for the Eagles in a 7-6 decision at North Florida on Saturday afternoon.
The host Ospreys (12-12, 4-1 Atlantic Sun) warded off the high-powered offense by FGCU (17-6, 3-2) with five extra-base hits of their own, including three home runs, to upend the Eagles at Harmon Stadium.
Nathan Gagnon was the most productive Eagle at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.Â
Jaret Nelson went 2-for-4, scoring a run himself, while
Tyler Herb drove in two runs in a 1-for-2 day at the plate.
Dempsey's home run marked his second in as many days and fourth of the season. For Gorostola, he extended his hitting streak to 41 games by hitting his fifth home run of the season.
Hyatt Richardson (3-1) suffered just his first loss of the season, allowing two runs on two hits in 2 2/3 innings. Joseph Dimino (1-1) was credited with the win after two scoreless innings in relief, while Brandon Adams (1) tallied his first save of the season after recording two outs while facing one batter.
Gialdri Gomez led the offensive charge for the Ospreys, delivering a home run and driving in three runs. His performance included two hits in his four at-bats. Jackson Toberman also contributed significantly, hitting a home run and recording two RBIs across his four plate appearances. Another key player was Jonathan Acosta, who made a noticeable impact with a home run, adding a run and an RBI to his statistics.
After North Florida scratched a run across in the second, FGCU tied the game in the third inning when
Jon Embury singled through the left side, driving in Gagnon from second base.
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In the fourth inning, the Eagles took the lead with a solo home run by Dempsey. A series of singles, including a two-RBI single from Herb, extended the lead.
Wilfred Gonzalez added an RBI with a double to left center to give the Eagles a 5-2 lead.
Gorostola hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, marking his fifth of the season, to push FGCU to a 6-5 lead.
UNF took the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Gomez. Florida Gulf Coast trailed 7–6 after seven innings.
Despite opportunities in the eighth and ninth innings, the Eagles were unable to score, resulting in a 7–6 loss to the Ospreys.
The Green & Blue look to avoid a sweep when the Eagles face UNF at 1 p.m. Sunday on ESPN+.
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Game Notes:
- Team - Achieved at least 10 hits in 4 consecutive games, extending their current streak in the 2025-26 season.
- Florida Gulf Coast still leads the all-time series over UNF, 39-31. The Eagles are 20-15 when playing at North Florida.
- Javier Gorostola extended his hitting streak to 41 games.
- Wilfred Gonzalez extended his reached base streak to 21 games.