PENSACOLA, Fla. — No. 6 Florida Southern College baseball faced a challenging doubleheader against No. 14 University of West Florida, falling in both games with scores of 5-3 and 3-2 at Jim Spooner Field.

In **Game 1**, Florida Southern (0-1) outhit West Florida (1-0) 13 hits to 9 but ultimately lost 5-3. The Moccasins took the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run burst, starting with Gavin Smith doubling down the right field line, followed by Eli Thurmond's bunt single that advanced Smith to third. A stolen base by Thurmond, coupled with an errant throw, allowed Smith to score, putting Florida Southern on the board. Later, Colby Brewington's single through the left side brought Thurmond home, granting Florida Southern a 2-0 lead after the top half. However, West Florida responded in the bottom half with a two-run homer by Z. Stokes, leveling the score at 2-2 after five innings.

In the sixth inning, FSC regained the lead when Carson Brady homered to left field, making it 3-2. Despite a single by Jorge Santana III and a subsequent wild pitch advancing him, Florida Southern couldn't capitalize further. West Florida, however, took control in the seventh inning. After tying the game with an RBI single by Stokes, A. Urias singled to right center to drive in another run, securing a 4-3 lead for West Florida. They extended their lead to 5-3 in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly from Taylor, bringing home DeJesus.

Despite a strong start, Florida Southern was unable to rally in the final innings. Brady delivered a highlight performance with a home run, a double, and one RBI. Thurmond showcased his speed with three hits and two stolen bases, while also scoring a run. Brewington was effective at the plate, collecting three hits and driving in a run, alongside a stolen base. Mikey Scott added two hits, drew a walk, and stole two bases.

On the mound, Sachem Ramos pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out six batters while allowing two earned runs on three hits. Evan Mobley and Ty Bradle followed with relief appearances, while John Essig closed the game effectively. For West Florida, Stokes stood out with a home run and three RBIs, while Dorsey showcased strong pitching with four scoreless innings.

In **Game 2**, Florida Southern (0-2) fell again to West Florida (2-0) with a close 3-2 loss. The Moccasins managed five hits and two stolen bases, while West Florida capitalized on nine hits and two doubles to secure the win. 

Florida Southern took an early lead in the third inning after Thurmond reached second on a throwing error and stole third. Ryan Jenkins drove Thurmond home with a single to left field, putting Florida Southern ahead 1-0. West Florida responded with two hits but left two runners stranded, maintaining the 1-0 lead for Florida Southern after three innings.

In the sixth inning, Florida Southern extended their lead when Jenkins singled and advanced on a fielding error. Scott followed with an RBI single to right field, plating Jenkins and giving Florida Southern a 2-0 advantage. West Florida answered in the bottom of the sixth, scoring their first run on a walk with the bases loaded, closing the gap to 2-1.

West Florida continued their pursuit in the seventh inning. Urias walked, stole second, and was driven in by Mendez's single, tying the game at 2-2. Florida Southern was unable to score in the top of the eighth, and West Florida went down in order to leave the game tied heading into the ninth. 

In the ninth inning, West Florida's T. Kelly doubled to left center and scored the go-ahead run on Mendez's single to left center, bringing the final score to 3-2 in favor of West Florida. Jenkins posted an impressive performance with three hits and one RBI while also scoring a run. Scott contributed with a hit and an RBI, adding a stolen base to his stats. Thurmond also added a hit, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Christian Carew delivered a strong showing on the mound, pitching five innings with eight strikeouts and allowing no earned runs. Ethan Joslin and Aidan Kelley contributed in relief, while Casey O'Dell struck out three in 1 2/3 innings. For West Florida, Mendez was a standout, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Roberts excelled over five innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven batters.

Looking ahead, Florida Southern will face West Florida again at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Jim Spooner Field in Pensacola, Florida. Read Full Article