FORT MYERS, Fla. – Hunter Possehl went a career-long seven innings,
Evan Dempsey hit a home run and
Ashton Pocol registered his 10
th career save. More than all that, FGCU recorded its 12
th come-from-behind win and second straight Atlantic Sun Conference series sweep with a 5-2 victory over West Georgia on Senior Day at Swanson Stadium.
The come-from-behind victory happened as Florida Gulf Coast (33-17, 16-10 ASUN) trailed, 2-1, entering the seventh inning. The Eagles capitalized with two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to seal the win over the Wolves (13-38, 10-17).
It also occurred after a pregame ceremony for departing seniors, as well as a pregame graduation ceremony for the three players –
Levent Eldem,
Ashton Pocol and
Jordan Vera – that missed Commencement last weekend while sweeping the Stetson Hatters in DeLand.
Evan Dempsey led the offense with three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs.
Nathan Gagnon contributed two hits and scored twice.
Jon Embury had one hit, one walk and an RBI.
Dempsey reflected on the Eagles' victory on a day marked by senior celebrations on Sunday morning.
"I've got a lot of love for the seniors. I live with two of them, Jarrett Nelson and
Nathan Gagnon. I actually walked out with Nathan and Jarrett today, a really special moment," he shared.
Dempsey, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, attributed his success to the occasion, saying, "For me, I think it's Mother's Day. We had a great ceremony before."
Hunter Possehl delivered a solid performance, pitching a career-long seven innings with five hits allowed and two earned runs, while striking out four batters and walking one, improving his record to 4-1.
Ashton Pocol provided effective relief, pitching two perfect innings, allowing no hits or runs, striking out two batters, and securing his fourth save of the season with just 21 pitches, 15 of which were strikes. That also marked his 10
th career save at FGCU, a number that ranks sixth in program history.
Anthony Cole emerged as a key performer for the Wolves, driving in two runs to contribute significantly to the team's offensive output. Mason Cooper also delivered at the plate, recording a hit and scoring a run, bolstered by his double. On the mound, Rowan Park provided stability, pitching four innings with two strikeouts while allowing only two hits and one earned run.
UWG opened the scoring in the second inning. Mason Cooper doubled down the right field line and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Anthony Cole grounded out to shortstop but brought Cooper home, giving UWG a 1-0 lead through two innings.
The Eagles responded in the third inning when
Evan Dempsey hit a solo home run to right center, his ninth of the season, tying the score at 1-1 by the end of the third inning.
In the fourth, the Wolves regained the lead. Patrick McCullough singled and later scored on Anthony Cole's RBI single through the left side, putting them ahead 2-1 through four innings.
The seventh inning saw the Green & Blue take control.
Jeremy Comer walked, and pinch runner Drew Seidel advanced on a single by
Nathan Gagnon and an error. Seidel scored on
Evan Dempsey's sacrifice fly to center, tying the game.
Jon Embury then singled to right, driving in Gagnon and giving Florida Gulf Coast a 3-2 lead through the seventh inning.
The Eagles extended their lead in the eighth.
Cayden Hessemyer doubled, and Seidel reached on a fielder's choice. Gagnon singled, putting runners at the corners. Cole Lasher's single scored Seidel, and Dempsey followed with an RBI single, making it 5-2 after eight innings.
Ashton Pocol closed out the game for FGCU, pitching two scoreless innings and securing the victory. Florida Gulf Coast defeated the Wolves 5–2.
On Tuesday, May 12, FGCU will host Florida Atlantic at Swanson Stadium, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. That will be the final game at home this season.
Following the final home game, the Eagles will head to Jacksonville in a pivotal series to determine who will secure second place in the division and the ever-important first-round bye.
As the team prepares for that crucial series at Jacksonville, Dempsey emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance, stating, "We have to stay focused on what we can control instead of worrying about, oh, what did North Florida do today? Did they win? OK, great, that kind of thing. We're playing for us."
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Game Notes
- With the win, FGCU now leads the all-time series over UWG, 7-5.
- The Eagles are now 6-1 this season when going for the sweep.
- FGCU has now swept opponents in six weekend series this season, including in the past two.
- Ashton Pocol earned his 10th career save in the game, a number that ranks sixth in program history and is one shy of Brady Anderson (2012-16).
- Evan Dempsey hit his 9th home run of the season.
- Nathan Gagnon matched a career-high with two runs scored.
- Team - Achieved a season high of 17 fielding assists in the game.
- Team - Recorded at least 9 hits in 7 consecutive games.
- Team - Reached 504 pitching strikeouts swinging, surpassing the 500 milestone with 6 in the current game.
- Cayden Hessemyer - Achieved the milestone of 50 putouts with a total of 51, including 2 in the current game.
- Cayden Hessemyer - Reached the milestone of 50 hits, contributing 1 hit in the current game.
- Drew Seidel - Achieved the milestone of 20 runs scored this season.
- Hunter Possehl - Pitched a career-high 7 innings.
- Jaret Nelson - Achieved a season-high total of 13 putouts.
- Jaret Nelson - Recorded a season-high of 3 fielding assists.
- Jaret Nelson - Reached the milestone of 310 career putouts, now totaling 315.
- Javier Gorostola - Recorded a season-high total of 4 fielding assists.
- Javier Gorostola - Reached a milestone of 20 putouts, including 1 in the current game.
- Jon Embury - Reached 75 hits for the season, contributing 1 hit in the current game.
- Jon Embury - Surpassed the 380 putouts milestone, totaling 384 with 6 in the current game.
- Nathan Gagnon - Recorded at least 2 hits in 2 consecutive games.
- Nathan Gagnon - Reached the milestone of 15 runs scored, now totaling 16.
- Nathan Gagnon - Achieved the milestone of 15 hits, now totaling 15.
