JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | After having their original season opener rained out, Florida Memorial fell 5-3 in game one before defeating Edward Waters 6-1 (11 innings) thanks to a three-run home run from
Luis Ruiz in the 11th inning.
Gm. 1
EWU 5 - FMU 3
In the season opener,
Levis Aguila wasted no time in getting the first run of the season in the second inning when he scored off a pitcher's error. In the third inning,
Allan Berrios hit a solo home run to give FMU a 2-0 lead. However, Edward Waters scored all five runs in the fifth inning on starting pitcher
Max Charnin, who gave up five earned runs in five innings, but struck out three EWU batters throughout the contest. However, relief pitcher
Jamal Johnson was credited with the loss as he struck out two batters on the afternoon.
The Lions scored a late run in the eighth inning to bring the score to 5-3 when Aguila hit an RBI-single to center field that brought home
Genesis Nunez, but couldn't finish the comeback against the Tigers.
Aguila finished the day with a team-high two hits for the Lions, who fall to 0-1.
Gm. 2 (11 innings)
FMU 6 - EWU 1
This contest proved to be a thriller as a pitching duel ensued FMU pitcher
William Hiciano and Will Valenti. Both teams remained scoreless top of the seventh when
Luis Ruiz generated an RBI-single to left field that allowed
Jalen Young to touch home plate for the first run of the game. However, the Tigers would answer back in the ninth inning with a game-tying run on a passed ball.
At the top of the 11th, Ruiz ignited a flame for the Lions, hitting a three-run home run, bringing home Berrios and
Ulises Rodriguez. FMU pitcher
Kyle Morrison finished the job in the final two innings and earned the win for Florida Memorial after
Anthony Molina took over pitching duties for four innings.
Ruiz led the team with three total hits and a season high four-RBI in the Lions victory, who improve to 1-1 after splitting the season series with Edward Waters.
The Lions return to action on Sunday, February 12 as they host Morris College in the home opener. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. at the Harry T. Moore Baseball Field.
