DELAND, FL -- Jacksonville Baseball opened the ASUN Baseball Championships with a 5–1 win, powered by senior Richard Long (8–4) and timely, impactful hitting.
The right-hander went seven innings, giving up one unearned run ,while striking out six.
Senior
Chris Lotito also pitched well, going two shutout innings and striking out four.
In the batter's box, the Dolphins were led by sophomore Jaden Bastian, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Freshman Sammy Mummau put together an impactful performance as well, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Junior Chandler Howard also helped out for Jacksonville, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Jacksonville struck early, as the leadoff man Bastian launched a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the first, giving the 'Phins a quick 1–0 lead.
North Alabama evened the score in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a fielding error by JU, tying the game at 1–1 with an unearned run.
The 'Phins responded in the sixth, reclaiming the lead with a pair of runs.
Nick DeLisi brought home Howard with a sacrifice fly, and Mummau followed with an RBI single to score
Aidan Masters, putting Jacksonville ahead 3–1.
JU extended its lead in the seventh, as Howard drove in
Josh Steidl with a single up the middle.
Cade Hentz followed with an infield single, bringing home Howard to make it 5–1.
After seven strong innings from starter
Richard Long, Lotito took over on the mound and worked his way through the Lions' lineup with poise.
He, along with solid defense behind him, kept North Alabama scoreless the rest of the way to secure the win for the Dolphins.
GAME NOTES
- The Dolphins out-hit the Lions at a 9-5 clip.
- Jacksonville went 4-for-11 (.364) with runners in scoring position.
- Long and Lotito limited North Alabama to just 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
- Jacksonville pitchers faced 35 Lions hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out 10.
- The Dolphins drew five walks from North Alabama pitching.
UP NEXT
Jacksonville will face the winner of the North Florida vs. Austin Peay matchup, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Stay tuned to JU Baseball's social media channels and the official website for updates and coverage throughout the ASUN Championship.
