WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. | Florida Memorial University pulled off the upset, defeating No. 17 Keiser University 18-7 in game one of the weekend series at Silvester Jr. Field.
After trailing 1-0 in the first inning, the Lions poured in six runs in the top of the third inning when designated hitter
Justin Martinez produced an RBI-single that scored
Ernie Farrell for FMU's first run of the game. Moments later, with the bases loaded, senior
Reinaldo Prieto generated a walk, scoring senior
Pheron Charlton. Then, senior Ramon Rivera produced a 3-RBI triple that brought home Prieto, Martinez, and Carratala. Rivera later scored off a ground out-RBI courtesy of
Armando Ramirez, giving FMU a 6-1 lead.
After Keiser responded with a run in the bottom of the third, FMU answered back with another run in the fourth inning when senior
Ernie Farrell hit a solo shot to left field, extending the Lions lead to 7-2.
The Seahawks would go on to score four runs in the fifth inning, cutting the deficit to just one run. However, in the sixth inning, FMU three additional runs when Charlton generated an RBI-single that brought home Farrell. Moments later, Carratala produced an RBI-double that scored Charlton. Martinez then produced a sacrifice-fly RBI that brought home Carratala.
In the seventh inning, FMU freshman
Marquis Clarke scored a run, followed by a solo home run in the eighth inning from Martinez.
In the ninth inning, FMU catcher
Pedro Gutierrez generated a two-run home run, followed by three-run shot to right field from Carratala, putting the clamps on any comeback attempt.
Lions pitcher
William Hiciano was credited with the victory, striking out two batters while allowing six earned runs across 4.1 innings of work.
Brandon Roman closed the game on the mound for the Lions, fanning three Seahawks batters while giving up one earned run in two innings of work.
FMU returns to the diamond on Friday, March 21 as they face No. 17 Keiser in a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. at Silvester Jr. Field.
