Manta Rays Celebrate Sophomores, Find Silver Linings in Conference Showdown

Game 1: Palm Beach 11 - FSCJ 1

The FSCJ Manta Rays fell to Palm Beach State College with a final score of 11-1 on Friday at FSCJ North Campus. FSCJ struck first in the opening inning when Dominic Masto singled to drive in a run. However, Palm Beach State responded quickly in the top of the second, scoring three runs. A dropped third strike brought in two runs, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Baez to bring in another. Palm Beach State extended their lead in the third inning, adding three more runs thanks to RBI singles by Hurtado and Marchese.

Xavier Glover started the game for FSCJ and allowed 10 hits and nine runs—five of which were earned—over three and one-third innings, while striking out five and walking one. Brannon got the start for Palm Beach State, pitching five innings, giving up six hits and one run, striking out two, and walking one. Offensively, Masto led FSCJ with one RBI and went 1-for-2, while Jack Newman had a strong showing at the plate, going 2-for-3 to lead the team in hits.

Palm Beach State collected 13 hits in total, with standout performances by Tabaves, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, and Perez, who also notched three hits. Villafane and Vazquez each recorded multiple hits as well. Defensively, Palm Beach State turned one double play and played a clean game without committing a single error. Marchese led the team with five fielding chances.

Game 2: Palm Beach 10 - FSCJ 9

Despite a strong effort from Isaac Newman, who went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, the FSCJ Manta Rays came up short against Palm Beach State College in a narrow 10-9 loss on Saturday at FSCJ North Campus. Newman hit a solo homer to right field in the sixth inning, in addition to singles in the second and third. The Manta Rays initially took a 4-1 lead in the first inning after Pedro Morales, Dominic Masto, and Andres Vazquez walked, followed by an RBI single from Evan Rodriguez down the left field line that brought in three runs.

Palm Beach State College responded quickly in the second inning, tying the game with two singles, including one by Baez. FSCJ answered back in the bottom of the inning with Morales doubling to drive in a run, and Billy Girgis adding another on a sacrifice fly, putting them ahead 6-4. However, Palm Beach State regained the lead, 7-6, in the third inning thanks to singles by Villafane and Baez. The Manta Rays fell behind by four runs in the sixth but fought to close the gap, scoring on Newman's homer, a single, and a walk.

Keyon Ashby took the loss for FSCJ, giving up six runs (five earned) on four hits over two and one-third innings. Ejan Fusetti pitched three and one-third innings in relief, surrendering six hits and four runs while striking out seven and walking two.

FSCJ recorded 12 hits in total, with Masto and Rodriguez each driving in two runs. Girgis also had a solid performance, going 2-for-3 with two walks to lead FSCJ in that category. As a team, the Manta Rays showed plate discipline, drawing eight walks and turning one double play in the field.

Game 3: Palm Beach 7 - FSCJ 5

The FSCJ Manta Rays' comeback attempt in the eighth inning fell just short as they lost 7-5 to Palm Beach State College on Saturday at FSCJ North Campus. Down by five runs late in the game, FSCJ managed to close the gap by scoring on a pair of singles and a hit by pitch, but it wasn't enough to complete the rally.

Palm Beach State got on the board in the top of the second when Mencho singled to center and another run scored on a wild pitch. FSCJ's starting pitcher, Keegan Roach, gave up five hits and two runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking two.

Offensively, FSCJ collected 11 hits in the game. Pedro Morales led the way with three RBIs and went 1-for-3. Jack Newman, Deven Gonzalez, Billy Girgis, Brooks Hicken, and Guillermo Rivera each contributed with two hits. Defensively, the Manta Rays turned two double plays.

Palm Beach State College, meanwhile, recorded 12 hits. Alonso led the team with three RBIs from the eighth spot in the lineup and went 1-for-4. Mencho, Villafane, and Hurtado each notched two hits. Palm Beach played clean defense, turning one double play and not committing a single error. Villafane led the team with eight chances in the field.

Next up the team travels across town to take on Edward Waters JV on Wednesday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m., don't miss this last chance to catch the Manta Rays in Jacksonville this Spring!

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