WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish battled with the #1 University of Tampa Spartans on Friday night but ultimately lost 9-4. 

Nolan Smoot got the start on the mound and pitched well in the start for the Sailfish. The Sailfish took an early two-run lead in the bottom of the second inning thanks to an RBI single by Jake McNamara and Giancarlo Chantres knocking in a run after reaching on a fielder's choice. However, after a balk from Smoot, a couple of hits, and a defensive miscue, the Spartans put up a four spot in the top of the third. The Sailfish pulled back within one in the bottom of the third when Matthew Faranda knocked in Trey Miranda on an RBI triple.  

Nick Feretic came on in relief and gave up a couple of runs that belonged to Smoot in the fourth inning. After the Faranda triple, the Spartans tacked on three unanswered runs before Finley Holmes knocked in Jake McNamara as he grounded out in the bottom of the seventh and the Sailfish were within three. The Spartans tacked on an insurance run in both the top of the eighth and ninth. The Sailfish were unable to scratch any runs across the plate and the game finished 9-4. 

The Sailfish and Spartans go back at it tomorrow at 12 and 3 p.m. in a Saturday doubleheader at the J.M. 'Jake' Rubin Park.