Embry-Riddle dropped two games at Southeastern University on Saturday as the Fire took game one 15-4 and won the second game 5-2 at Ted A. Broer Stadium.
Game 1
The Early Struggles
The game started with Southeastern quickly asserting their dominance. In the first inning, the Fire ignited their offense, scoring three runs and setting the tone for the game. Embry-Riddle's pitcher, Brody Gundert, faced a relentless barrage of hits, and by the end of the second inning, Southeastern had extended their lead to 8-0.
Despite the early setbacks, the Eagles refused to back down. The third inning saw Southeastern adding five more runs to their tally, but Embry-Riddle's defense began to show signs of resilience. The team regrouped, determined to turn the tide.
A Glimmer of Hope
In the fourth inning, the Eagles found their rhythm. Miles Murphy led the charge with a single to shortstop, followed by Kaleb Shannon's single, which advanced Murphy to second. The bases were soon loaded, and James Warren's fielder's choice brought in two runs, giving Embry-Riddle a much-needed boost. The score now stood at 13-2, but the Eagles had shown they could fight back.
Moments of Brilliance
As the game progressed, Embry-Riddle continued to display moments of brilliance. In the fifth inning, Shannon doubled down the left field line, driving in another run. The Eagles' spirits were lifted, and they continued to battle against the odds.
Pitcher Trent Ihle provided some stability on the mound, delivering two scoreless innings and giving the team a chance to regroup. However, Southeastern's offense proved too strong, adding two more runs in the sixth inning.
The Final Push
In the seventh inning, the Eagles made one last push. Caden Truman was hit by a pitch, and Murphy's single advanced Truman to third. With two outs, Shannon struck out swinging, but Truman managed to score, bringing the final tally to 15-4.
Game 2
A Promising Start
The Eagles came out strong in the first inning, with Konner Nelson leading off with a walk. A wild pitch allowed Nelson to advance to second, setting the stage for Shannon. Shannon delivered a powerful double to left field, bringing Nelson home and giving Embry-Riddle an early lead. Roberto Garza-Nunez followed with another double down the right field line, scoring Shannon and putting the Eagles up 2-0.
Southeastern quickly responded in the bottom of the second inning. After an error allowed N. Streuer to reach base, two wild pitches advanced him to third. B. McMullen's single brought Streuer home, and a bunt single by J. Rossi, coupled with a throwing error, allowed another run to score, tying the game at 2-2.
Defensive Struggles
Embry-Riddle's defense faced challenges throughout the game, committing four errors that contributed to Southeastern's scoring opportunities. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles showed moments of resilience. In the fourth inning, Southeastern managed to score another run, taking a 3-2 lead.
Pitching Efforts
Noah Tschopp started on the mound for Embry-Riddle, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing four earned runs on nine hits. He struck out five batters but struggled with control, issuing three wild pitches. Spencer Rego came in as a reliever, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing two hits while striking out one.
Southeastern Pulls Ahead
In the fifth inning, Southeastern extended their lead with two more runs. A single by A. Villalobo and a walk to N. Streuer set the stage for J. Rossi, who delivered a two-RBI single to left field, making the score 5-2.
Final Push
Embry-Riddle continued to fight, but Southeastern's pitching proved too strong. The Eagles managed only three hits in the game, with Shannon and Garza-Nun providing the highlights. Shannon went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Garza-Nun also doubled and drove in a run.
ERAU will return to Prescott where they have a weekend series with Morningside scheduled to begin on March 1st at 11am.
