AVE MARIA, Fla. | Florida Memorial University dropped the series opener to Ave Maria 4-3 at Bowie's Ballpark. The Lions and Gyrenes were tied 2-2 for much of the game, before AMU scored a pair of runs in the seventh and eighth inning. FMU scored one run in the top of the ninth, but weren't able to score the game-tying run, ending the game in a close defeat.

Teammates Don McKnight III, Armando Ramirez, and Nathan Martinez scored runs for the Lions, while McKnight led the team in hits with two. Designated hitter, Dennys Acosta, recorded the lone RBI for FMU, while first baseman, Justin Martinez was walked three times.

Reigning SUN Pitcher of the Week, Jamal Johnson (6-3), suffered the loss. In 3.1 innings, he allowed seven hits and two earned runs, while striking out three Gyrenes.

The loss drops FMU to 19-22 on the year and 6-15 in conference play.

The Lions return to action Friday, April 17 for the doubleheader against Ave Maria. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Bowie's Ballpark.

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