The College of Central Florida baseball team got a much needed conference win on Friday. The Pats were tied with the Manatees 9-9 when Patriot designated hitter Austin Eppley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score the winning run. It was Eppley's third time getting hit by pitch with the bases loaded in the game. 

The Pats got off to an early lead scoring two in each of the first two innings to take a 4-1 lead. SCF battled back and scored three in the third to tie it back up. The Manatees capitalized on a hit by pitch, two CF errors, and a wild pitch in the fourth to score four runs and take an 8-4 lead. Down 9-4 in the seventh the Pats got a 3-run home run from catcher Cole Bullen to pull within one run. Eppley followed it up with a solo home run to tie it all up at 9-9. 

Luke Ridley earned the win in relief, throwing a two shutout innings in the 8th and 9th. He allowed only one hit and struck out three. Fulton Lockhart was effective in relief in the middle of the game to keep it within reach for the Patriots. He tossed three innings, and allowed only one run on one hit and struck out seven.

Cole Bullen went a perfect 4-4 at the plate with two walks and a home run. Kareh Valentin went 3-5 with three runs scored and a walk. Marcus Bradshaw went 3-5 with two runs and three doubles. Austin Eppley was 1-2 with three HBP, four RBI and a walk.

The Pats will travel to State College of Florida in Bradenton on Saturday to complete the Citrus Conference series with a doubleheader starting at 1 PM