Offense Comes Alive in High-Scoring Series with the Lakehawks

Florida State College at Jacksonville's baseball team fell to Lake-Sumter State College on March 28-29, 2025.
March 31, 2025

Game 1: FSCJ 15 - Lake-Sumter 14

Nolan Hartsell drove in five runs on three hits to lead the FSCJ Manta Rays to a narrow 15–14 victory over Lake-Sumter State College on Friday at FSCJ North Campus. Hartsell contributed significantly with a home run to left field in the first inning, scoring two runs, a double in the sixth that scored two more, and a single in the third that brought in one. The high-scoring matchup saw both teams collect 14 hits each, with bats blazing throughout the game.

The FSCJ Manta Rays took an early lead in the bottom of the first after a passed ball brought in a run, followed by Hartsell's two-run homer. However, Lake-Sumter quickly responded in the top of the second, scoring six runs on seven hits to take a 6–3 lead. Byers delivered the biggest blow with a full-count RBI single. In the top of the third, Lake-Sumter extended their lead with two more runs on RBI singles by Gimson and Thurmond.

FSCJ regained control in the bottom of the third, scoring eight runs on five hits to move ahead 11–8. Cobe Evans had a crucial fielder's choice that drove in two runs during that rally. Gavan Bradley earned the win for FSCJ, pitching four innings and allowing seven hits and six runs (four earned), while striking out three and walking four. Keyon Ashby started for FSCJ and gave up four hits and five runs in just over an inning. Lake-Sumter's starter Windham surrendered seven hits and nine runs over two innings. Joshua Rouw collected the save for FSCJ, while Ejan Fusetti and Ethan Carroll also appeared in relief.

FSCJ's offensive power was highlighted by Hartsell and Alex Monile, who each tallied three hits. Isaac Newman and Brooks Hicken also recorded multiple hits, while Evans stole two bases to help the team's efforts.

Game 2: Lake-Sumter 8 - FSCJ 5

The FSCJ Manta Rays fell to Lake-Sumter State College, 8–5, in Saturday's matchup at Lake-Sumter. The home team struck first in the bottom of the opening inning when Thurmond launched a home run to left field and Byers grounded out to score another, giving Lake-Sumter a 2–0 lead. They extended their advantage in the second inning with RBI singles from Gimson and Dumas, pushing the lead to 4–0.

FSCJ clawed back and tied the game at 4–4 in the top of the sixth thanks to a solo home run to right field by Jack Newman and an RBI single by Logan Disbrow. However, Lake-Sumter quickly responded in the bottom half of the sixth, breaking the tie when Dumas hit a two-run double, followed by an RBI single from Brooks to stretch the lead to 8–4.

Xavier Glover started the game for FSCJ, allowing 10 hits and six runs (five earned) over five innings while striking out two and walking two. On the other side, Johnson took the mound first for Lake-Sumter and pitched five solid innings, surrendering only two hits and two runs, while striking out six and walking three.

Newman led the FSCJ offense, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. The Manta Rays also turned one double play during the game. Lake-Sumter's bats stayed hot, racking up 12 hits total. Dumas led the way, going a perfect 3-for-3 and driving in three runs. Brooks, Melendez, and Gimson each had multiple hits. Defensively, Lake-Sumter played a clean game without committing a single error, with Byers making the most plays in the field, tallying eight chances.

Game 3: Lake-Sumter 14 - FSCJ 11

The FSCJ Manta Rays put up a strong offensive performance against Lake-Sumter State College on Saturday but ultimately came up short in a 14–11 loss. Despite leading 6–0 in the third inning, FSCJ couldn't hold off Lake-Sumter's late surge. Lake-Sumter tallied 11 hits compared to FSCJ's seven.

FSCJ got off to a hot start in the top of the first inning, scoring three runs. Jack Newman singled down the right field line, while Deven Gonzalez and Andres Vazquez both walked, each eventually coming around to score. Isaac Newman added to the lead in the second with a solo home run to right field. In the third, FSCJ tacked on two more runs, capitalizing on a Lake-Sumter error to push their lead to 6–0.

However, Lake-Sumter responded in the sixth inning, scoring two runs—one on a passed ball and another on a fielder's choice by Melendez. Then in the bottom of the eighth, Lake-Sumter exploded for five runs on four hits. Gimson and Dumas each hit two-run doubles, and another run scored on a separate play. FSCJ attempted a comeback in the ninth. An error allowed two runs to score, and Pedro Morales homered to right field, driving in two more, trimming the deficit to 14–11.

Keegan Roach started on the mound for FSCJ, allowing one hit and two runs over three innings, while striking out two and walking four. Lake-Sumter's starter, listed as #1, gave up three hits and four runs in one inning, striking out one and walking five.

Offensively, Morales went 1-for-3 and led the team with two RBIs. Newman paced the lineup with three hits in six at-bats, while Vazquez showed patience at the plate, drawing four walks. In total, FSCJ demonstrated strong discipline, collecting 13 walks as a team.

The Manta Rays return to action on Tuesday 4/2 at Howard Roey Field to take on Edward Waters JV. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00PM.

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