Panthers Fall to Eagles 6-3
MELBOURNE, FL- The Panthers fell to the visiting Embry Riddle Eagles 6-3 today despite putting up better offensive numbers. The Eagles relied on a great
pitching performance by senior Josh Smith (Moreno Valley, CA), who pitched seven innings and allowed nine hits, one for extra bases, three runs and no
walks while striking out eight. Senior Shawn Williams (Palm Harbor, FL) pitched the final two scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out three.
Smith improved to 2-1 on the season while Williams picked up his second save.
Senior Paul Stone (Dayton, OH) led the Panther offense going two for three while driving in two of the Panthers’ three runs. He also scored the third Tech
run. Juniors Steve Condotta (Mississauga, Canada) and Jon Baksh (Mississauga, Canada) each went two for four.
The Eagles took an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning. After striking out the first batter, junior pitcher Jay Crouse (Naples, FL) gave up
a walk and a single to but two runners on base. After a sac fly for the second out and another walk senior Victor Roldan (Lutz, FL) smacked a double down
the right line to put his team up.
In the bottom of the second inning Tech scored two runs, bringing the score to within one run. Senior Devin Hopkins (Pembroke Pines, FL) and freshman Kevin
Villa (Miami, FL) crossed the plate for the Panthers on a Paul Stone single.
Embry Riddle scored two more runs in the third inning. Jay Crouse hit Williams with a 3-2 pitch, putting the Eagle pitcher on base. He scored on a double
by Victor Roldan, his second off the game. Roldan eventually scored on a double off the bat by teammate junior Bernie Hurley (Jacksonville, FL).
Tech scored another run in the fourth inning; they were held scoreless for the rest of the game. The visitors scored their final run in the eighth inning
on a sac bunt. The game ended 6-3 in favor of the Eagles.
The Panthers fall to 8-6 on the season while the Eagles improve to 15-7. Tech hosts Concordia College this weekend in a three-game series. The first two
are scheduled for Saturday afternoon and the rubber match is set for Sunday. First pitch will be at 12:00 pm.
