JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University baseball team had a 1-0 lead heading into the ninth-inning, but it was not enough as visiting Samford (6-8) erupted six-runs off four hits in the final frame, as the Dolphins (7-10) fall, 6-1. The series continues tomorrow with first pitch slated for 2 p.m., and the final game Sunday at 1 p.m.

It was flashback Friday at Sessions Stadium through eight innings as another pitcher's duel occurred backed by freshman Michael Baumann's six-strong innings of shutout baseball for the second-consecutive game, this time with six strikeouts and three hits allowed.

"That is a great pitched ball game--as good as you're going to see," said head coach Tim Montez. "It comes down to execution, we didn't execute the pitch-out, small things like that and attention to detail sometimes what ends up tipping the scales. Sometimes, even when you set up everything the way we want, it doesn't work out, but that's baseball."

In the ninth inning, Nathan Disch, 3-for-3 in saves, would enter with a one-run lead. Nearly automatic (one-run allowed in 14.2 innings), a single followed by a failed pitch-out resulted in a bloop-single to center, Disch would encounter bases-loaded with one-out. The runners would advance to second and third on a sacrifice-bunt by Frankie Navarette.

With first-base open and two runners on, Montez would elect to put the batter Austin Edens (1-for-3) on by intentional walk, setting up the force everywhere. Richard Greene would single to left scoring two and the Bulldogs claimed the lead.

A good play by Connor Marabell (1-for-4) to record the force-out at home after a hard groundball, there were two outs in the inning, and a chance for the Dolphins to escape with little damage. Unfortunately, four more runs would cross in the inning after two errors and a walk would put the game at 6-1.

Senior Drew Luther (1-for-3) would provide the go-ahead run in the seventh inning behind a first-pitch single, scoring the first-leadoff batter Austin Hays (1-for-3) who reached by walking.

"Drew is playing with more energy and taking more of a leadership role. I think he realizes he needs to step it up, and he has done that and it has shown in his game. We need to have that more," said Montez.

Spencer Stockton provided quick work of the Samford batters, setting down six-straight faced, fanning one. Angelo Amendolare (1-for-4) and Nathan Koslowski (1-for-3) rounded out the Dolphins offense with hits on the evening.

On the other side, Samford's Alex Ledford went seven innings with one earned, while Mark Donham (2-0) comes in for the win giving up no hits in two innings.

"When you have a strike thrower like that, they are going to pound the zone. With a sinker-ball pitcher like that," said Montez "you have to attack on all pitches up in the zone. That's a great college pitcher. We had a lot of hard contact, but when you throw the ball down in the zone good things happen."

Jacksonville looks to mark on visiting Samford tomorrow, where Jeff Tanner (1-2) will face Jared Brasher (0-1) at 2 p.m. from John Sessions Stadium. Live audio is available by way of 92.5 FM frequency on your radio dial.

A LOOK AHEAD

On Wednesday March 18, the Dolphins host cross-town rival North Florida for the Mayor's Cup at 6:30, where Mayor Alvin Brown will throw out the first pitch.

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