Clutch Hitting Leads FSCJ in Sweep of USC Sumter

Game 1:

The FSCJ Manta Rays secured a late victory in their 6-4 win against USC Sumter on Friday. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the eighth inning when Dominic Masto hit a clutch single, driving in two runs. Billy Girgis had a standout performance, collecting three hits in four at-bats, including singles in the fourth, fifth, and eighth innings. USC Sumter got on the board in the second inning when Gammage grounded out to score one run, followed by Moss singling to the left side and adding another run.

FSCJ regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after Pedro Morales singled down the right field line, and Masto grounded into a fielder's choice, each contributing one run. Buffkin kept USC Sumter in the game by tying it at four in the seventh inning with a single down the left-field line on a full count.

Braden Hansen earned the win for the Manta Rays, giving up no hits or runs and striking out one in one and one-third innings of relief. Starting pitcher Cayden Robinson surrendered three hits and three runs (one earned) over four innings while striking out two and walking two. On the other side, Martin started for USC Sumter, allowing six hits and two runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out six with no walks. Joshua Rouw secured the save for the Manta Rays, while Ejan Fusetti also contributed in relief.

The FSCJ Manta Rays tallied 10 hits overall, with Masto going 2-for-4 and leading the team with three RBIs. Isaac Newman also contributed with two hits in four at-bats. The win highlighted the Manta Rays' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, securing the victory in the closing innings.

Game 2: 

The FSCJ Manta Rays secured a 4-3 victory over USC Sumter on Saturday at FSCJ North Campus. USC Sumter took the initial lead in the fourth inning when Foster hit a sacrifice fly to bring in one run. However, the Manta Rays responded in the bottom of the inning with a strong offensive display. Alex Monile singled to left field, Isaac Newman followed with another single, Dominic Masto doubled to right field, and Brooks Hicken singled to center field, with each hit contributing one run and giving FSCJ the lead.

Keegan Roach earned the win for FSCJ, allowing three hits and one run over four innings while striking out four and walking one. On the mound for USC Sumter, Keen pitched five innings, giving up seven hits and four runs while striking out two and walking three. Ethan Carroll secured the save for FSCJ, while Braden Hansen also contributed in relief.

Several Manta Rays players made notable contributions at the plate. Monile, Newman, Masto, Evan Rodriguez, Logan Disbrow, Billy Girgis, and Hicken each collected one hit. Monile, Masto, and Hicken drove in one run each. The Manta Rays played a clean game defensively, committing no errors, with Disbrow leading the team with nine chances in the field. The win highlighted a solid all-around effort from FSCJ.

Game 3:

The FSCJ Manta Rays defeated USC Sumter 6-4 on Saturday at FSCJ North Campus. USC Sumter initially took the lead in the third inning when Dampier singled to score one run, followed by Foster's double that brought in two more runs. The Manta Rays rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game at three, thanks to singles, including one by Andres Vazquez. USC Sumter briefly regained the lead, 4-3, in the top of the eighth after Lake singled to drive in a run. However, FSCJ responded in the bottom of the inning with a triple from Evan Rodriguez that scored two runs and a groundout by Logan Disbrow that added another run, sealing the victory.

Derek Carson earned the win for FSCJ, pitching one inning and allowing two hits and one unearned run while striking out one and walking none. Gant Geiger started for FSCJ, surrendering seven hits and three runs (two earned) over four and one-third innings while striking out four. Ethan Yesensky delivered a strong relief performance, throwing two and two-thirds scoreless innings, giving up no hits, striking out four, and walking three. For USC Sumter, Buffkin started and allowed three hits and one run over five and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking two. Joshua Rouw collected the save for FSCJ.

The Manta Rays collected 10 hits in the game, with Rodriguez leading the offense by driving in two runs and going 1-for-3 at the plate. Vazquez, Dominic Masto, and Brooks Hicken each contributed two hits. It was a solid team effort that secured the FSCJ Manta Rays another hard-fought win.

FSCJ returns to the field on Tuesday, February 11 for a single home game against South Georgia State College, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.