JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Baseball dropped the opening game of the River City Rumble series against North Florida on Thursday evening at John Sessions Stadium, falling 15–4 despite early momentum and strong efforts from multiple Dolphins.
Sophomore Jonah Shields added a couple extra base hits, going 2-for-5 with a double and a triple, while graduate student Blake DeLamielleure and junior Chandler Howard each drove in a run as part of a three-run sixth inning.
Jacksonville jumped out to a 1–0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on Shields' leadoff triple with Josh Steidl producing out to right field. After North Florida responded with three runs in the third and four more over the next two frames, the Dolphins fought back in the sixth. DeLamielleure delivered an RBI single up the middle, Howard followed with a run-scoring base hit, and Nick DeLisi drew a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 7–4.
On the mound, senior Richard Long got the start and took the loss, but Jacksonville's bullpen saw a bright spot in right-hander Caleb Freeman, who struck out three in a clean relief inning.
Sophomore Cade Hentz also notched a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-4 with a double.
The Ospreys pulled away late, scoring eight unanswered runs between the seventh and ninth innings, aided by Jacksonville defensive miscues and a string of walks.
GAME NOTES
- Shields led the Dolphins at the plate with a double, triple, and two runs scored.
- Freeman struck out three in a hitless, scoreless relief inning.
- The Dolphins drew six walks and had nine total hits.
UP NEXT
Jacksonville continues the series against North Florida on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. at Harmon Stadium tomorrow evening.
