Clutch Homeruns Deliver FSCJ the Series Win Over St. Johns River

Game 1: St John's River 9 - FSCJ Manta Rays 5

The FSCJ Manta Rays were unable to maintain their lead against St. Johns River State College, ultimately falling 9-5 on Friday at St. Johns River State College. Despite leading by four runs at one point, FSCJ could not hold off their opponents. The Manta Rays got off to a strong start in the first inning when Dominic Masto hit a three-run home run to right field, followed by an RBI single from Pedro Morales, giving them an early lead. They added another run in the second inning thanks to a solo home run by Isaac Newman on an 0-2 count. However, Dalton of St. Johns River State College homered to right field in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game at five.

Geller secured the win for St. Johns River State College, pitching six and one-third innings, allowing eight hits and five runs (four earned), while striking out six and walking one. On the other hand, Gant Geiger took the loss for FSCJ Manta Rays, pitching three innings and surrendering two runs on one hit, striking out one and walking two. Cayden Robinson started on the mound for FSCJ, giving up five hits and five runs (four earned) over four innings while striking out seven and walking two. Gothrop earned the save.

Offensively, Masto led FSCJ Manta Rays with three RBIs, though he went 1-for-4 at the plate. Billy Girgis had a strong performance, collecting three hits in four at-bats, while Alex Monile contributed two hits in four at-bats. Defensively, FSCJ Manta Rays managed to turn one double play during the game, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory.

Game 2: FSCJ Manta Rays 4 - St John's River 2

The FSCJ Manta Rays secured a 4-2 victory over St. Johns River State College on Saturday after a late-game comeback. Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Nolan Hartsell delivered a crucial three-run homer to left field, putting FSCJ ahead. The Manta Rays had initially taken the lead in the first inning when Deven Gonzalez grounded out, bringing in a run. However, St. Johns River State College responded in the top of the fifth when Dalton homered to center field, driving in two runs and temporarily giving his team a 2-1 advantage.

On the mound for FSCJ, Keegan Roach pitched five innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out one and walking five. St. Johns River State College's Lazaro surrendered eight hits and four runs over six innings, striking out seven and walking three. Ethan Carroll came in as relief for FSCJ, pitching two scoreless innings without allowing a hit, striking out three, and walking one.

Offensively, Hartsell led the FSCJ Manta Rays with three RBIs from the seventh spot in the lineup, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Several FSCJ players contributed with a hit each, including Hartsell, Alex Monile, Isaac Newman, Dominic Masto, Evan Rodriguez, Billy Girgis, Cobe Evans, and Brooks Hicken. Defensively, the Manta Rays were solid, committing no errors, with Hicken leading the team with 11 plays.

Game 3: FSCJ Manta Rays 10 - St John's River 8

The FSCJ Manta Rays secured a dramatic 10-8 victory over St. Johns River State College on Saturday, taking the lead late in the game. After trailing 5-0 in the third inning, FSCJ fought back to even the score at eight in the bottom of the eighth. Andres Vazquez delivered a clutch two-run home run to center field, securing the lead for good. St. Johns River State College initially took control in the second inning when Schmitt hit a grand slam to left field, setting the tone for their early dominance. In the top of the eighth, Dalton gave St. Johns River State College a brief 8-7 lead with a solo homer to right field, but FSCJ quickly responded. Newman drew a bases-loaded walk, tying the game, before Vazquez's two-run homer sealed the comeback win.

On the mound, Gavan Bradley started for FSCJ, allowing four hits and five runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking three. For St. Johns River State College, Howe pitched five and two-thirds innings, giving up six hits and four runs (three earned), striking out two and walking two. FSCJ's bullpen came up big, with Xavier Glover tossing two and one-third shutout innings, allowing no hits, striking out one, and walking none.

Offensively, the Manta Rays racked up 11 hits. Nolan Hartsell, Monile, and Brooks Hicken each collected two hits. Ashby and Vazquez led the team with two RBIs apiece. FSCJ displayed strong plate discipline, drawing eight walks in the game, with Ashby and Newman each reaching base twice on walks. The comeback victory showcased the team's resilience, securing a hard-fought win in the late innings.

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