WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida Southern College baseball (21-17, 10-9 SSC) achieved a commanding 10-0 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic University (8-29, 2-18 SSC) in game one of their doubleheader on Saturday at J.M. 'Jake' Rubin Park, followed by a solid 4-1 win in game two to complete the series sweep.
In game one, Florida Southern's pitching staff was dominant, combining for 15 strikeouts and allowing only four hits to complete the shutout. The Mocs took an early lead in the first inning when
Mikey Scott walked and stole second base, allowing
Carson Brady to drive him in with a single to shallow right field, giving Florida Southern a 1-0 advantage.
The third inning saw Scott single and advance to third with help from
Eric Harrison Jr.'s single and a pair of stolen bases. Brady grounded out, bringing Scott home and extending the lead to 2-0, which remained through the third inning.
The fifth inning was particularly productive for the Mocs, starting with a solo home run from Harrison. After a walk and an error,
Will Burke singled to score Brady.
Brock Budacki then stole home, and Burke scored on a throwing error, pushing the lead to 6-0.
In the sixth inning,
Eli Thurmond walked and scored on a groundout by Scott, increasing the lead to 7-0. The seventh inning saw
Colby Brewington score on
Ethan Burkhardt's single, followed by
Ryan Jenkins walking with the bases loaded to bring in another run. A sacrifice fly from Scott capped the scoring at 10-0.
Ty Bradle was exceptional on the mound, pitching six innings with no runs allowed, striking out nine, and surrendering only three hits. Burke and Scott were also key contributors offensively, with Burke collecting two hits, including a double, and one RBI, while Scott scored twice, drove in two runs, and stole two bases. Harrison hit a home run, scored once, and recorded two hits in the game.
In game two, the Mocs secured a 4-1 victory, highlighted by a pivotal three-run seventh inning. The game remained scoreless through the first six innings as both teams struggled to capitalize on early opportunities.
The deadlock was broken in the seventh inning when Budacki singled and advanced to third on a passed ball. Burke followed with a single, setting up
Cory Filley for a sacrifice fly that allowed Budacki to score. Burkhardt doubled down the line to drive in Burke, and Thurmond added another run with a double, scoring Burkhardt. The Sailfish responded with a run in their half of the inning, but Florida Southern maintained a 3-1 lead.
In the ninth inning, Budacki walked and was replaced by pinch runner
Tristan Eckert, who advanced to third on a throwing error. Filley's second sacrifice fly of the game brought Eckert home, extending the lead to 4-1.
Tanner Rollyson pitched 5 2/3 innings in game two, allowing five hits while striking out four and not giving up any runs.
Aidan Kelley closed the game, retiring PBA in order in the bottom of the ninth while securing the save. Filley contributed two RBIs with his two sacrifice flies, while Burkhardt and Thurmond each recorded two hits and one RBI, with both hitting doubles.
Looking ahead, Florida Southern's next challenge will be against Saint Leo University, set for 6 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 22, at Thomas B. Southard Stadium in Saint Leo, Florida.
