(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
DUBOIS, Pa. (May 15, 2024) – Florida National University’s baseball team (24-29) continues to put the USCAA on notice, sweeping two games on the third day of bracket play at the Small College World Series in DuBois, Pa. The Conquistadors grabbed a dominant 10-4 victory versus Atlantis University (24-16) before ending the afternoon on top once again versus Miami University Hamilton (29-17) 4-3.
FNU’s rout of the Atlantians began in the first inning, as the Conquistadors jumped to a 5-0 lead to start the game. Adrian Roman and Erick Rodriguez both recorded RBI doubles in the frame, while Yordangel Gonzalez and Roberto Fernandez each collected one-score single to give FNU a running start.
AU answered back with a run scored by Justin Suarez on an error by Jordan Lewis. FNU continued to rain on the runs, however, posting five more scores in the third and fourth innings. Gonzalez’s solo homer in the third electrified the Conquistadors and Rodriguez connected on an RBI double the following frame. AU recorded three more runs before FNU moved on to a 4 p.m. game versus Miami Hamilton.
MUH took an early lead against FNU after Joe Requarth bombed a one-run homer to left field in the opening inning. FNU held Miami Hamilton scoreless in the second before Roman tied up the contest on an RBI single to short that ran in pinch runner Cameron Josemond. Rodriguez had another breakout moment with a stellar home run to put FNU ahead 2-1 in the fourth.
The Harriers answered with a home run of their own in the bottom of the frame courtesy of Chris Hoffmann. FNU ended up sealing the game on a Josemond score off a base hit from Roman and an RBI single from outfielder Gino Bellantoni to give FNU a 4-3 lead. MUH made it a one-score affair in the seventh on a run from Danny Mangin, but FNU got a routine 5-3 ground out to end the ball game and advance to the semifinals.
Up Next: The Conquistadors will play the loser of UC Clermont and Penn State DuBois tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.