JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville fell in the opening game of the River City Rumble on Friday night, dropping a 4-2 decision to North Florida at John Sessions Stadium.

The Dolphins threatened early but were unable to capitalize, leaving runners on base throughout the night in a game defined by missed opportunities.

Jacksonville loaded traffic in both the first and second innings, drawing four walks across the opening two frames, but came away empty. A double play in the first erased a scoring chance, while two runners were stranded in the second.

The Dolphins broke through in the third without recording a hit. Cade Walter and Sammy Mummau each worked walks to open the inning, later advancing into scoring position before Walter came home on a passed ball to give Jacksonville a 1-0 lead.

North Florida responded in the fifth with a decisive four-run inning. The Ospreys used a combination of walks, a sacrifice fly, a wild pitch, and a two-RBI single from Gialdri Gomez to take a 4-1 advantage.

Jacksonville continued to generate chances but could not deliver the timely hit. The Dolphins left multiple runners on base in the fourth, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings, finishing the night with 12 runners stranded.

Roger Vergara provided the lone RBI knock for Jacksonville in the seventh, driving a double down the right field line to score Archer Ogbourne and cut the deficit to 4-2.

The Dolphins put the tying run on base in both the eighth and ninth innings but were unable to complete the comeback.

Alex Walsh got the start for Jacksonville, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings. Dominic Pieto and Kyle Powers combined for 3.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to keep the Dolphins within striking distance.

Jacksonville will look to even the series tomorrow night at John Sessions Stadium.