St. PETERSBURG, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to the Eckerd Tritons on Saturday afternoon. The Sailfish fought hard but were the victim of a walk-off home run in game one.
The Sailfish return to the field on Tuesday for a midweek game at 6 p.m. on the road at Barry.
GAME ONE
Despite a dynamic offensive show with two home runs, PBA couldn't hold off Eckerd's aggressive play, which included 11 hits and 15 walks.
The 'Fish showed early promise, ignited by Aidan Pierre's two solo home runs, fueling their scoring push. Alex Jacobs delivered a key two-run double in the fourth, temporarily putting PBA ahead. The Sailfish displayed patience at the plate in the fifth, drawing walks and taking advantage of hit-by-pitches to add three more runs.
However, in the ninth, the 'Fish couldn't seize a scoring opportunity when Finley Holmes doubled with one out but was left stranded. This missed chance highlighted the setbacks that paved the way for Eckerd's late rally. The Tritons clinched the win in the ninth inning thanks to a walk-off grand slam by Luis Garrido.
On the mound, Nolan Larson pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run, striking out 3, but walking 5. A.J. Prendergast relieved for 1 1/3 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks, with 2 strikeouts. Jack Mischke contributed 2 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with 3 walks. Lucas Chantres pitched 1 1/3 innings, surrendering 3 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. Chip Hoornstra faced 2 batters without recording an out, allowing a home run and 2 earned runs.
GAME TWO
Despite rallying for seven hits, including a double, the 'Fish couldn't quite match up to Eckerd's aggressive 15-hit showing.
Eckerd wasted no time setting the pace, taking charge in the first inning with a flurry of hits and smart plays. A double from Hunter Rebhan and a sacrifice fly quickly put them on the board, and Christian Cabina's RBI double widened the gap, making it an uphill battle for PBA.
The 'Fish showed resilience in the fifth inning. Giancarlo Chantres started things off with a single to center, followed by Aaron Vetter's sharp single down the right-field line, putting pressure on Eckerd's defense. Santi Scheele came through with a single through the left side, driving in Chantres. Unfortunately, the Sailfish couldn't sustain the momentum, as two flyouts and a strikeout ended the inning with two left on base.
In the sixth, Finley Holmes took advantage of a failed pickoff attempt to advance to third, setting the stage for Chantres, who delivered again with a double to left center, bringing Holmes home. But that marked the end of the offensive burst for PBA, as Eckerd's early lead proved too much to overcome.
On the mound, Elijah Budiac put in a solid effort, pitching 5 innings and allowing 10 hits and 5 earned runs, while striking out 6 without a walk. Aidan McKee added 1 inning of relief, giving up 3 hits and 1 earned run, with 1 strikeout. Gavin Ingram closed things out with 2 innings, surrendering 2 hits and 1 earned run, and notching 2 strikeouts.
