DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team fell to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a final score of 7–3 on Saturday at Sliwa Stadium. The Sailfish scored all three of their runs in the second inning, but Embry-Riddle capitalized with a three-run fourth inning to secure the win.
Embry-Riddle seized control in the fourth inning, capitalizing on errors to extend its lead. A throwing error allowed Torin Foley to reach base, followed by his stolen base setting up the scoring. Malachi Peña's double drove in Foley, and Francisco Feliciano's single brought home another run. A throwing error during a pickoff attempt allowed Feliciano to score, creating a three-run inning that shifted momentum.
The 'Fish initially took the lead in the second inning with a series of timely plays.
Carter Parent's single and subsequent advance on a wild pitch set the stage for
Santi Scheele's RBI single.
Kody Kelly's double further pressured the defense, leading to
Andrew Fernandez's sacrifice fly, which pushed Scheele across the plate.
Trey Miranda added a sacrifice fly to score Kelly, completing a productive rally.
Despite opportunities to rally, the Sailfish could not capitalize in the later innings.
Finley Holmes managed a single in the eighth, advancing to second, but was left stranded, marking the final significant threat for the 'Fish.
Elijah Budiac pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs, including a home run, while striking out 1 batter in his start. He threw 72 pitches, 44 of which were strikes, but was tagged with the loss, bringing his season record to 4–8.
Nolan Smoot entered in relief for 3 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 earned run, with 2 strikeouts and 2 wild pitches over 39 pitches. Smoot managed to throw 25 strikes during his appearance.
Kelly led the team with three hits, including a double, showcasing his effectiveness at the plate. Holmes contributed two hits and also added a stolen base, providing offensive support. Parent recorded one run and one hit, adding to the team's overall scoring effort. Scheele tallied one run and one RBI, further enhancing the team's performance.
