MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial University led 12-9 in the final inning before giving up four runs en route to a 13-12 loss to NCAA Division II HBCU in state foe Edward Waters University in the season opener in the Battle of Miami Gardens.

The Lions jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening inning thanks to back-to-back home runs from teammates Christian Carratala (2-RBI) and Raymond Rivera (2-RBI). However, the Tigers responded with six runs in the second inning before the Lions answered back with three additional runs in the bottom stanza.

In the bottom of the fifth, FMU turned up the dial, scoring four more runs as the bats continued to flow throughout the contest, giving the Lions a 12-8 lead, led by senior Reinaldo Prieto who finished 2-for-4 at the plate with a team-high 3-RBI. Christian Marte was also solid with the bat, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored while designated hitter Kidane Stephens finished 2-for-4 with one RBI.

The Tigers added a run in the top of the sixth inning, cutting the deficit to 12-9.

However, in the top of the ninth, Edward Waters stormed back and scored four runs as FMU relinquished the lead in heartbreaking fashion.

Senior Jamal Johnson (0-1) was credited with the loss as he generated three strike outs, but allowed four runs on five hits in just 1.2 innings of work. Starting pitcher William Hiciano struck out two batters and allowed eight runs and six hits across 4.2 innings before being replaced by Kelvin Feliciano, who allowed two hits and one run in 2.1 innings.

FMU returns to the diamond on Saturday, February 8 as they host Edward Waters in a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 noon at Harry T. Moore Baseball Field.