Trailing 10-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Florida Memorial University could’ve folded its proverbial tent and chalked Wednesday’s game up as one that got away.
Instead, the Lions showed an elevated of character and resolve, rallying back by scoring runs in each of the final four innings – including five in the bottom seventh – capped off by a walk-off 2-RBI double by senior Rohandry Javier that gave FMU an 11-10 victory over visiting Bryant & Stratton College-Albany (N.Y.) Wednesday afternoon at Harry T. Moore Field.
How It Happened
- FMU got two runners on in the bottom of the ninth thanks to a Jensy Doval single and another Bryant & Stratton error.
- With one out and two on, Javier stepped to the plate and got the end of his bat on a hanging pitch sending it to right field just in front of the Bobcats’ right fielder – bringing in two runs.
- Lions reliever Roman Garcia shut down the Bobcats in the final two innings.
- Florida Memorial took advantage of a pair of BSCA mishaps – a throwing error and a pass ball – in the bottom of the eighth to manufacture a single run.
- Harris hit a 2-RBI single during the seventh-inning rally and Rodriguez brought Harris home later in the inning to cut the Lions’ deficit to 10-8.
- FMU’s bats truly came alive in the bottom seventh, generating four hits to produce the five runs.
- Florida Memorial held the Bobcats scoreless in the top of the seventh – buoyed by a pair of strikeouts by relief pitcher Isaias Espiritusantos.
- FMU found itself down 10-1 following a 7-run sixth inning by Bryant & Stratton.
- The Lions began their rally in the bottom of the sixth, plating two runs thanks to a Nathan Harris RBI triple and a Ulises Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Inside The Box Score
- Javier went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and 2 walks drawn.
- Harris, Rodriguez, and Luis Ruiz all had 3 hits Wednesday.
- Ruiz was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored; Harris had 3 RBI; and 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
- Bryant & Stratton committed three errors.
- Florida Memorial totaled 15 hits.
- Garcia earned the win on the mound, throwing 2.0 innings with no hits or runs allowed.
Analysis & Notes
- Wednesday was originally scheduled to be a doubleheader, but the teams agreed to cancel the first game and only play one 9-inning game.
- Florida Memorial snapped a three-game home losing streak with its victory Wednesday.
- The Lions’ 15 hits was the second-most hits the team had in a game this season.
- Bobcats starting pitcher Brian Blackburn was solid through his six innings of work before relievers Maylo Liranzo and Epifanio Reyes gave up 7 runs and 6 hits in the final 2.1 innings.
- Javier left the game during the fifth inning and appeared to be seen by trainers but later returned to the lineup.
- Lions skipper Florentino Burgos used 10 pitchers Wednesday, including three different pitchers in the sixth inning.
- FMU improves to 11-9 with its win.
- Bryant & Stratton falls to 4-19.