Eagles overpower FNU for 2-0 series lead. (April 26, 2024)
(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
HIALEAH, Fla. (April 26, 2024) – Florida National University’s baseball team (21-24) failed to get a win over the NCCAA’s No. 1-ranked University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles (36-12) Friday. The Conquistadors fell in game one, 5-1, and dropped game two in shutout fashion, 9-0. This is the second time this season the Eagles have defeated FNU in both games to take a 2-0 lead in a four-game series.
In game one, Ryan Rifenberg got the Eagles ahead on a two-RBI single up the middle to score Chris Martin and Wilbert Javier-Vargas. UFTL added three more runs in the top of the sixth, thanks to an RBI groundout on Chris Martin and a two-score single from Erik Scott.
FNU remained scoreless and without a hit until the sixth inning. Pinch hitter Jeremy De La Cruz got the first hit of the afternoon and was followed closely behind by a single from designated hitter Roberto Fernandez that scored third baseman Alex Lopez for FNU’s lone score of the contest. UFTL ended the game with nine hits and an error while FNU posted three hits and four errors.
Game two was a complete show of dominance from the visiting Eagles at Ernest R. Graham Park. The Eagles went up 2-0 in the third inning following a two-score home run blast from the Eagles’ lead off hitter Javier-Vargas. UFTL added three more scores in the frame to take a staggering 5-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third.
The Eagles secured their win in the fourth, posting four scores. Martin grabbed an RBI double in the frame and later scored on a bunt single from Aderlyn Cubilete. The final two runs came on a hit by pitch on Joseph DiMasse and an RBI groundout on Gabriel Mangual. FNU was held to four hits while UFTL recorded 11.
Up Next: FNU looks for two wins at home to close out the 2024 regular season against Fort Lauderdale tomorrow starting at noon.
