DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – FGCU scored eight runs on 13 hits – five of which were doubles – but it would not be enough in a high-scoring series finale Sunday. The Eagles dropped the 9-8 decision after stranding 12 runners on base.
Javier Gorostola extended his season-long hitting streak by recording two hits, including a double, and drove in a run while also scoring twice.
Evan Dempsey delivered a strong performance with three hits and four RBIs, including two doubles, while also scoring twice. Cole Lasher collected four hits and scored two runs, showing consistency at the plate.
Jeremy Comer contributed with two doubles and two RBIs, adding depth to the offense.
Ashton Pocol (2-1) was charged with the loss after allowing one run on five hits in 2 1/3 innings on the mound.
Hunter Possehl made the start for FGCU, allowing four runs on three hits in three innings.
Jose Fernandez drove in four runs by hitting a grand slam in the third. His performance included two hits in four at-bats with a run scored. Darryl Lee also made a significant impact with a home run and three runs scored, contributing two hits in five plate appearances. Ruben Zuany added a solo home run, despite striking out three times in his four at-bats.
Pablo Torres (2-0), in relief, secured his second win, pitching one inning without allowing a hit or a run. Michael Rodriguez contributed with two RBIs on one hit, while also reaching base on a hit-by-pitch.
Florida Gulf Coast jumped to an early lead in the first inning with Lasher and
Jon Embury reaching base, followed by Gorostola's single. Dempsey then hit a double to left center, driving in two runs. Comer added two more with a double to right field, leading to a 4-0 advantage after the first inning.
In the second inning, the Eagles continued their offensive push. Gorostola doubled to left center, scoring Lasher. Dempsey followed with another two-RBI double, bringing home Embury and Gorostola.
Wilfred Gonzalez singled to score Dempsey, extending the Green & Blue's lead to 8-0 by the end of the second inning.
B-CU responded in the third with a four-run homer by Fernandez, narrowing the gap to 8-4 through three innings.
The fifth inning saw the Wildcats' Lee hit a solo home run, further closing the lead to 8-5.
In the sixth, Zuany homered for Bethune-Cookman, bringing them within two runs, 8-6.
Florida Gulf Coast maintained an 8-6 lead until the ninth inning when the Wildcats mounted a comeback. Erick Almonte doubled, and Lee's single moved him to third. Jeter Polledo's single brought in Almonte, and Rodriguez's walk-off single scored two more, sealing a 9-8 victory for B-CU.
The Eagles will now head to Miami for a Tuesday contest at FIU (7-10). The Panthers are coming off a series loss against Florida Atlantic.
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Game Notes:
- Sebastian Lippman - Achieved a season-high of 5 strikeouts swinging.
- Jon Embury - Recorded a season-high of 2 bases on balls.
- Jon Embury - Achieved at least 2 runs in 3 consecutive games.
- Jeremy Comer - Recorded 2 or more hits in 3 consecutive games.
- Javier Gorostola - Scored 2 or more runs in 3 consecutive games.
- Javier Gorostola - Achieved 2 hits in 4 consecutive games.
- The Eagles now lead the series against the Wildcats, 29-16. This marks the 12th consecutive series win over B-CU.
- Jaret Nelson - Achieved a season-high total of 3 bases on balls.
- Cole Lasher - Recorded a season-high total of 4 hits.
