Offensive Surge Propels Panthers Past the Manta Rays

Game 1: South Florida State 6 - FSCJ 2

Isaac Newman had an impressive performance at the plate, collecting three hits in four at-bats, but the FSCJ Manta Rays ultimately fell to South Florida State College 6-2 at FSCJ North Campus. Newman contributed a solo home run to right field in the seventh inning, while also recording singles in the first and fifth innings. South Florida State College got on the scoreboard in the second inning when Mercado was hit by a pitch, followed by Allison scoring after tagging up, each earning a run. FSCJ Manta Rays managed to score in the seventh, with Newman's solo home run coming on the sixth pitch of his at-bat.

Cozzolino secured the win for South Florida State College, allowing six hits and just one unearned run over six innings while striking out four and walking one. On the other hand, Keegan Roach took the loss for FSCJ Manta Rays, pitching three and one-third innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, striking out three, and walking four. Nolan Hartsell also had a strong offensive performance for FSCJ Manta Rays, going two for three at the plate. Defensively, the team executed a double play and remained solid in the field without committing a single error. Hartsell led the team in defensive plays with seven.

Game 2: South Florida State 7 - FSCJ 2

The FSCJ Manta Rays fell to South Florida State College 7-2 on Friday at FSCJ North Campus. South Florida State College took an early lead in the first inning when Doorlag singled down the left field line, Carter doubled down the same line, and Allison followed with a single to center field, each contributing a run.

Pena earned the win for South Florida State College, allowing four hits and two runs over three and two-thirds innings while striking out three and walking three. Gant Geiger took the loss for the FSCJ Manta Rays, pitching two and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on four hits, striking out two, and walking two.

Offensively, Dominic Masto and Evan Rodriguez each drove in one run for the Manta Rays. 

Game 3: South Florida State 14 - FSCJ 1

The FSCJ Manta Rays struggled against South Florida State College, falling 14-1 on Saturday at FSCJ North Campus. The Manta Rays managed to get on the board in the second inning thanks to a double play. However, South Florida State College took control in the third inning, taking a 3-1 lead after singles by Allison and Anderson. They extended their lead in the fourth inning, scoring five runs on four hits. Doorlag doubled to drive in two runs, Allison added another double to bring in one run, and Anderson tripled to score two more.

The offensive surge continued in the fifth inning for South Florida State College, as they added six more runs on four hits. Bermudez singled to bring in a run, Volz hit into a double play that allowed another run to score, and Anderson delivered a grand slam to left field, securing their commanding lead.

Xavier Glover started on the mound for FSCJ Manta Rays, pitching two innings while allowing two hits and no runs, striking out one and walking one. Brooks Hicken led the Manta Rays offensively, collecting two hits in two at-bats.

South Florida State College totaled 12 hits in the game, with Anderson leading the way, driving in seven runs from the number seven spot in the lineup and going 4-for-4 at the plate. Bermudez, Allison, and Mercado also recorded multiple hits for South Florida State College. 

Next up for the FSCJ Manta Rays is a matchup against the College of Central Florida on Tuesday, March 11 in Ocala, Florida.

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