WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team dropped both games of their Saturday double header against Saint Leo. The Sailfish dropped the series as well after winning game on one Friday night. The Sailfish return to the field on Tuesday when they host a midweek matchup with Rollins at 6 p.m.
GAME ONE
Saint Leo's big moment came in the fifth when Camdin Jansen's three-run homer opened up the game, handing the visitors a strong lead. This rally started with a leadoff single and a walk, setting the stage for Jansen's deep shot to left. The Sailfish couldn't bounce back after that pivotal play.
The 'Fish put a run on the board in their half of the fifth. Aidan Pierre walked and moved up on a hit-by-pitch to Giancarlo Chantres. Sean Lehnhoff laid down a sacrifice bunt, bringing Pierre home. Unfortunately, the Sailfish struggled to find more scoring chances as Saint Leo's pitching and defense stood firm.
In the ninth, the 'Fish saw a glimpse of a rally. Chantres singled to center, and pinch-hitter Alex Jacobs followed with a base hit, putting two on. However, the comeback bid was cut short as the final outs were recorded.
Derek Langfelder started on the mound, going 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits, fanning four, and walking one. Nolan Larson faced four batters in relief, giving up two runs on two hits, including a home run. Christian Alonso pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits with a strikeout. Aidan McKee wrapped up the game with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.
Aidan Pierre reached base twice with a hit and a walk in four trips to the plate. Defensively, Jake McNamara was active with three assists, playing a part in two double plays.
GAME TWO
Saint Leo broke the game open in the seventh with a pivotal three-run burst. Abrahan Rios played a key role with a two-run single to center, taking full advantage of a walk and a stolen base. A sacrifice fly tacked on another run, giving Saint Leo a comfortable cushion.
Palm Beach Atlantic showed sparks in the fourth inning when Jake McNamara singled up the middle, followed by a hit from Ian Pennington, setting the stage for a run. McNamara scored on Aidan Pierre's groundout, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the Sailfish couldn't capitalize on further scoring chances, leaving runners stranded in scoring positions.
After a lightning delay with two outs in the top of the ninth, the 'Fish displayed resilience in the final inning. A leadoff single from Carter Parent, followed by a wild pitch, allowed Aaron Vetter's RBI single to bring in a run. Despite the late push, the rally fell short as the game wrapped up.
On the mound, Jamie McMahon delivered a scoreless ninth inning for PBA, allowing just one hit and inducing three groundouts on 11 pitches, seven of which were strikes. Starter Elijah Budiac pitched three innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits, including three doubles, and struck out one. Lucas Chantres came in strong for 2 1/3 innings of relief, surrendering one unearned run, striking out four, and allowing one hit and two walks. Zachary Orloff pitched 1 2/3 innings hitless but let a run in due to two wild pitches and a hit batter. Jack Mischke had a challenging inning, giving up three runs, two earned, on two hits and a walk, while striking out one.
Jake McNamara shone with three hits, including a double, in five at-bats, scoring once. Carter Parent made his presence felt with a hit and a run in his only plate appearance. Aaron Vetter delivered an important RBI with his bases-loaded single. Lucas Chantres' relief effort included striking out four across 2 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit.
