Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Five runs in the second inning and three earned runs allowed by starter Kyle Arjona helped Jacksonville to a 7-5 win over USF Wednesday at Sessions Stadium.
"It was a solid win, and a lot of credit goes to these players for coming off an extra-inning win last night," said Head Coach Tim Montez. "To be as locked in as they were shows maturity. Their preparation and the way they go about their business is pleasing to this coaching staff. It was another strong start by Arjona and Parker Perez was solid for us tonight. The top of the order set the tone again."
Jacksonville (8-3) exploded for five runs in the third off four hits and a Bulls' error. The inning began with a Perez walk and Austin Hays double. Sam Armstrong then singled up the middle to score Perez and JJ Gould's double down the left field line plated two Dolphins. Franco Guardascione reached on an error at shortstop as Gould scored, and then a double by Nate Ricci brought home Guardascione. Evan Fernandez grounded out to complete the Dolphin scoring.
For the 10th time this season, Jacksonville scored first thanks to a bases-loaded double play that scored Parker Perez.
USF (6-7) tied the game with two outs in the third on an RBI triple from Luke Maglich. The Bulls added another in the following inning on a Coco Montes fielder's choice.
The closest the visitors came to taking the lead came in the sixth inning. USF struck for three unearned runs on one hit and an error. Arjona (1-0) left after 5.2 innings and allowed four hits, three earned runs, three walks, and had five strikeouts.
"I came out and did what I was working on the whole fall, throwing strikes and attacking hitters with everything that I had," said Arjona.
Shane Wise pitched through 1/3 inning in relief and Perez pitched through 1.1 shutout innings. Cassala earned the save with no hits over the final 1.2 innings.
The Dolphins added an insurance run in the eighth inning after Seth DeWitt doubled down the left field line and his pinch-runner, Chris Lehane, scored on a Mike Cassala single.
USF starter Brad Labozzetta (0-3) suffered the loss with five earned runs on eight hits over five innings.
Jacksonville remains at home this weekend with its first ever meeting with the Toledo Rockets. The three-game series starts Friday, Mar. 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Sessions Stadium.
