Box Score FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Despite carrying a 2–1 lead into the seventh, Jacksonville was unable to hold off a late push from FGCU, falling 5–3 on Saturday.
Senior
Collin Rothermel was a bright spot for the Dolphins, starting the ballgame and throwing 6.1 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on one hit, with three walks and seven strikeouts.
At the plate, the Dolphins were led by sophomore
Jaden Bastian, who went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, and an RBI. Fellow sophomore
Jonah Shields turned in a strong performance as well, finishing 3-for-5 with an RBI. Senior
Carson Stevens contributed with a 1-for-3 day, adding a double and a walk.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Jacksonville opened the scoring in the third inning with a pair of runs. Shields drove in the first with a single through the right side, scoring Bastian.
Blake DeLamielleure followed with an RBI single to left, bringing home Shields to give the Dolphins an early 2–0 advantage.
FGCU tied the game at two with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh, ending Rothermel's strong outing.
Chris Lotito entered with one out left in the inning and delivered a stellar performance, holding the Eagles scoreless through the remainder of the seventh and the entire eighth, striking out three while not allowing a hit or walk.
Jacksonville regained the lead in the top of the ninth when Bastian launched a one-out solo home run off senior to put the Dolphins ahead 3–2.
However, in the bottom of the ninth,
Nick Anello entered in the save situation and started strong with a strikeout. But with two outs, the Eagles hit a walk-off home run to claim a 5–3 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Shields led the Dolphins, picking up three hits in the ballgame.
- The Dolphins out-hit the Eagles at a 10-3 clip.
- Jacksonville pitchers faced 34 FGCU hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out 11.
UP NEXT
The Dolphins are back tomorrow for the final game of the series against FGCU. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. Live stats will be available, but unfortunately, the game will not be available on ESPN+.
