Pats Split on Saturday vs #16 Florida Southwestern in Two Extra Inning Games

Photo: Heidi Kearney
Photo: Heidi Kearney

The Patriots played two tight extra inning games with the #16 nationally ranked Florida Southwestern Buccaneers. Both games went back and forth and the Buccaneers came on top in game one 11-9, while the Pats came out on top in game two 7-6. 

Game 1: CF 9 - FSW 11

FSW got off to an early lead scoring two in the second and three in the fourth. Down 5-2 the Pats scored five runs in the sixth. Kareh Valentin hit a bases loaded double to score three runs and take the lead. The Pats were unable to hold the two run lead in the 7th surrendering three runs on four walks and a hit by pitch, followed by a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the seventh, the Pats tied it on a Cooper Jones sacrifice fly to score Cole Bullen and force extra innings. The buccaneers scored another run in the 8th inning to take the lead again, but the Pats fought back and tied it up once again on a Edwin Toribio single to score Gunnett Carlson. The tie didn't last long as the Bucs score two runs on a two out double down the third base line to score two runs of Pat reliever Isaac Sewell and secure the win. 

Game 2: CF 7 - FSW 6

The Pats walked off the Bucs in game two in extra innings on a Kareh Valentin single to left. The Pats got off to an early lead scoring two runs in the second on a Marcus Bradshaw double and Cooper Jones sac fly. FSW later took the lead in the top of the sixth when a two out error by Jones scored three runs. The Pats came right back in the bottom of the inning to score four and regain the lead. They scored when Jones walked, outfielder Anthony Diaz was hit by a pitch, Kainen Jorge walked and Carlson hit a sac fly. The lead didn't last long as the Bucs scored one run on Justin Thomas single to tie it up at 6-6 before the Pats walked them off in the bottom of the eighth. Jack Garvey started for the Patriots and threw a solid four innings. He allowed on one run on four hits and struck out six while walking four. Miles Curley earned the win in relief entering the game in the sixth. He threw two and one-third innings striking out three and allowed only one run. 

The Pats are now 26-19 on the season and 14-13 in Citrus Conference play. They are currently in the sixth spot with two more 3-game series left to play. The next game will be at home vs non conference opponent St Johns River State on Tuesday at 3 pm.