CARROLLTON, Ga. – FGCU hit three home runs – including two by
Javier Gorostola – but the big swings were not enough in a 9-6 final at West Georgia on Friday afternoon.
Jon Embury and Gorostola combined for three home runs in the game with the duo hitting back-to-back shots to left in the first inning. Gorostola repeated the effort in the eighth inning, with a two-run home run to left.
Despite a strong start with a two-run first inning, Florida Gulf Coast (19-11, 5-5 ASUN) could not overcome three-run second and sixth innings by West Georgia (10-21, 7-4), which proved decisive.
Gorostola led the Green & Blue with two home runs and four RBIs, scoring twice in the game.
Jon Embury contributed with a home run and two RBIs, also drawing a walk in his five plate appearances.
Keaton Kangas crossed the plate twice, adding a hit and a walk in his four trips to the plate.
Mattox Meeks provided solid relief, allowing just one hit and no runs over 1 2/3 innings pitched, striking out one batter.
Hank Smith stood out for the Wolves with a home run and three RBIs, contributing one run on his lone hit. Blake Bradford also made an impact, driving in two runs and securing a hit while scoring once. Blane Schmitt was a key player with three hits in four at-bats, scoring three times. Each of these players played a significant role in the team's offensive effort.
Florida Gulf Coast took an early lead in the first inning with the back-to-back home runs. Embury and Gorostola each homered to left field, marking their 11th and 7th of the season, respectively. This allowed the Eagles to hold a 2-1 lead after the first inning.
In the second inning, UWG responded with a significant offensive effort. Smith hit a three-run homer to right field, bringing the score to 4-2 in favor of the Wolves through two innings.
The fourth inning saw UWG extend its lead further. Bradford singled to short, driving in a run to make it 5-2.
In the sixth inning, the Eagles attempted a comeback. After Brandyn Gonzalez walked and Drew Seidel pinch ran, Embury walked with the bases loaded, allowing Seidel to score. Gorostola then contributed a sacrifice fly, scoring Kangas, and closing the gap to 8-4 by the end of the inning.
The eighth inning provided another opportunity for the Eagles to close the deficit. Gorostola continued his strong performance, hitting his second home run of the game, a two-run shot to left field. This brought Florida Gulf Coast within three runs, 9-6, at the end of the eighth inning.
FGCU's final game in the three-game series on Saturday at West Georgia has been moved up to a 10 a.m. start in an effort to avoid inclement weather.
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Game Notes:
- UWG now leads the all-time series, 5-3. This marked the Eagles' first series loss in Carrollton.
- Brandyn Gonzalez - Recorded 1 walk, exceeding the season average of 0.03.
- Drew Seidel - Achieved a season-high total of 1 putout.
- Drew Seidel - Scored 1 run, surpassing their season average of 0.08.
- Keaton Kangas - Scored a career-high 2 runs.
- Kangas - Registered a season-high 2 runs.
- Jon Embury - Recorded 2 runs batted in, exceeding their career average of 0.84.
- Embury - Achieved 2 runs batted in, which is higher than their season average of 1.45.
- Jeremy Comer - Registered a season-high total of 2 walks.
- Javier Gorostola - Drove in 4 runs, surpassing their season average of 1.17.
- Gorostola - Scored 2 runs, exceeding their career average of 0.46.
