The three game series verses Jackson State University will conclude this afternoon for the Florida A&M University baseball team.
In the opener the Rattlers were unable to hold on to their early 1-0 lead allowing Jackson State pitcher Samuel Cline to earn the win with a 8-4 final score.
The first three innings of the nightcap went in favor for the Rattlers, not allowing the Tigers to earn any runs.
In the bottom of the third inning the Rattlers gave up three runs and another four in the following inning to build a 6-1 lead. A sacrifice fly to right field by Jared Jeffries’ helped boost the score for the Rattlers scoring Darryl Evans to bring the score to 6-2.
The following innings went in favor of both teams as the Rattlers and Tigers each scored two additional runs. The lead was insurmountable for the Rattlers in the opening game but in the nightcap the Tigers didn’t expect the early outcome.
Tim Jones and Tobi Adeyemi were consistent at the batting plate for the Rattlers. With a sacrifice fly by second baseman Tim Schlach and an RBI by Jones and Adeyemi the Rattlers catapulted to an early 3-0 cushion.
Jackson State scored four consecutive runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 4-3 lead. Although the Rattlers managed to let their lead collapse, Schalch answered the teams’ prayers by belting a fly to score Elliot Bonner knotting the score at 4-4 forcing the game into extra innings.
Instead of starting Aspin in the weekend doubleheader nightcap, the Rattlers Miguel Parga threw the majority of the games pitches.
Parga pitched into the ninth inning but threw a wild pitch on a two out count allowing Fred Atkins to reach on a lead off double to score the game-winning run from third base.
Darryl Evans and Elliott Bonner each had two hits, with Tim Schalch driving in two runs.
The Rattlers out hit the Tigers 19-18 in the double header Tuesday.
Hopefully the Rattlers can finish the three game series with a victory after correcting their mistakes from game one and two.
The Rattlers will host Jackson State at the JSU baseball complex starting at 1 p.m