WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team pulled off a 5–4 win against Saint Leo at J.M. 'Jake' Rubin Park on Friday, improving to 7-10 on the season.
PBA's pitching staff showcased their prowess, tallying nine strikeouts while holding Saint Leo to just six hits. However, the visitors mounted a late surge, pushing three runs across in a nail-biting ninth inning. In the ninth, Saint Leo's Jake Carillo delivered a two-out single, driving in two runs and briefly snatching the lead. Despite this, the 'Fish had already laid strong groundwork earlier in the game.
The Sailfish gained momentum in the fifth inning with
Ian Pennington's two-RBI triple to right center, breaking a tie and giving PBA a two-run advantage. Pennington shone brightly, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, outperforming his season averages. In the eighth inning,
Trey Miranda added to the cushion with an RBI triple, pushing the lead to four. Yet, Saint Leo's late-game burst threatened to upend PBA's efforts.
Jared Murray shut the door for the 'Fish to hold onto the win.
Jake McNamara was instrumental, scoring twice and recording two hits in five at-bats, highlighting his speed with one of the team's two stolen bases, beating their season average.
Trey Miranda's contribution included a triple and an RBI, while
Ian Pennington's impact was felt with his two hits and three RBIs.
Nolan Smoot's command was evident as he navigated a season-high 6 innings, surrendering only 3 hits and 1 earned run, coupled with 5 strikeouts and a single walk. He achieved a season-high 7 ground outs, throwing a total of 89 pitches.
A.J. Prendergast took over for 2 innings, giving up 2 runs, only one earned, on 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out one, and exceeding his usual pitch count with 42.
Jared Murray closed in the ninth, striking out all three batters he faced, surpassing his average strikeout rate, despite allowing 2 hits and an unearned run, clinching his third save of the season.
The Sailfish have a quick turnaround and return to the field at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The time was changed from noon due to the chance of rain in the afternoon.
