(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
LAKE WALES, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2024) – Florida National University’s baseball team (6-7) ran into some trouble against two stellar teams out of The Sun Conference. The Conquistadors dropped a 12-0 game versus the No.12 Webber International University Warriors (9-3) before losing 11-10 opposite the Warner University Royals (10-4). FNU suffered its second loss after seven innings played this season, its first coming against the Keiser University Seahawks on Feb. 13.
Game one of FNU’s trip to North Florida began with a stunning shutout against an efficient Webber squad. The Conquistadors’ Daniel Silgado posted the first hit of the contest on a single down the left field line. Silgado was quickly put out at second after attempting to steal and the Warriors ended the frame on a line to the second baseman.
FNU did keep Webber off the board in the first and allowed just one hit through the first two frames. But Webber weathered some early adversity for a two-run, one-hit third inning. Brody Neveker recorded a double that scored Gabriel Cruz and Webber’s final score of the inning came off a fielder’s choice.
The Conquistadors went on to leave two runners stranded after Erick Rodriguez was walked and Jeremy De La Cruz singled through the left side in the fourth. FNU looked primed to score at least one run with three runners on board after a couple of hits and a walk. Webber was able to get out of the jam solely on their pitching as Gabriel Dorsey recorded three strikeouts to end the fifth for FNU.
Webber was able to execute its next time in the batter’s box, posting four runs for a 6-0 lead after five. The Warriors went on to double their lead in the sixth with three RBI singles and a score off an error from FNU’s shortstop. FNU ended the frame with three consecutive strikeouts, looking to extend the game in the top of the seventh. Webber closed out the contest with a couple of strikeouts and a 3-1 groundout on Yordangel Gonzalez.
Game two saw FNU make the short trip to Lake Wales, Fla., for a 6:30 p.m. battle opposite the Warner Royals. The visiting Conquistadors jumped to a 2-0 lead off a Gino Bellantoni hit. Warner was able to even the score on a throwing error from FNU’s catcher and an RBI single to left field.
A Silgado hit at the top of the second put FNU back in front by one run. This lead was short-lived as the Royals took a 4-3 lead in the second to highlight a one-hit inning. Warner had a massive frame in the third, posting five runs and three hits for a 9-3 lead.
The Conquistadors rebounded in the fourth when an RBI groundout on Jordan Lewis kicked off a five-score inning. Bellantoni and Roberto Fernandez each recorded RBI singles in the inning and FNU’s run was capped off on a two-RBI triple from first baseman Yordangel.
Warner clung to a 9-8 lead heading into the bottom of the eight, where the Royals posted two runs thanks to singles from John Malcom and J.J Gonzalez. FNU scored two more runs in the ninth after Daniel Reyes posted an RBI single and Yordangel made it home on a passed ball. Warner stayed collected, however, and ended the game on a 4-3 groundout.
Up Next: FNU starts a four-game series on Feb. 29 against Florida Memorial University.
