MELBOURNE, Fla. – Despite a 15-1 final in five innings of the first game at Nancy Bottge Field in Melbourne, Florida., the Southwest Minnesota State’s rally against Florida tech fell short for a 6-3 final of game two.

No. 10 Florida Tech, picks up its 20th win of the season for a 21-6 record while SMSU moves to 4-4 overall.

Game 1

In game one, FIT had 11 hits and no errors while SMSU had three hits and two errors.

The Panthers brought six runs in the bottom of the first for an early 6-0 lead. They then capitalized them scoring in the next three innings before the fourth when the Mustangs kept them at bay.

In the second inning, they brought two more before stringing together seven runs in the third.

The Mustangs were scoreless until the top of the fourth when Emma Grote was walked and brought in be a ground ball in play by Alex Reak to trail 15-1.

Shelby Crank (0-1) opened her second game this season in the circle and threw two innings and two strikeouts. Makayla Hoselton was the designated player to start the game and game in to throw relief for three innings.

FIT turned a double-play in the top of five with another grounder to end game one with a final score of 15-1 in five innings.

Game 2

The Mustangs were plagued by errors committing five in the second game.

The Panthers opened game two in similar fashion with an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of 1.

The Mustangs took advantage of a big third inning which put up three runs. Bailey Johnson doubled to right field to score Sara DeSmet, pinch runner for Kaylea Van Regenmorter.

Maddyson Schliinz grounded out as Lileya Kebos game through home. The Mustangs continued action as Kali Tomlinson doubled to score Johnson to trail 4-3 after the end of the top of 3.

In the bottom of the third, Golling had a strike out and a fly ball to left field before FIT managed to load the bases. Golling was able to hold the Panthers to keep them scoreless until their next turn up.

The Panthers returned in the bottom of the fourth when a groundout would bring a runner in before Golling struck out the final batter to keep runners on base as FIT gains a 5-3 lead.

SMSU gets into scoring position in the top 5 with bases loaded and two outs but was unable to bring them in.

FIT stamped the victory in the bottom of the sixth when the Panthers stole home for a 6-3 lead.

Southwest Minnesota State will continue the spring break trip today with a double header at Tampa at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. CDT.

Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications