Florida A&M University went head to head, with Jacksonville University seeking their tenth win for the season.
Although the final score was 9-6 with FAMU losing, the Rattlers pushed through the twelve-inning game and had fans on the edge of their seats.
FAMU had a strong start, with redshirt freshman, Jalen Niles, scoring the first run in the game at the bottom of the third inning.
The Dolphins dominated in the sixth inning, scoring three runs making the game 5-2. However, the Rattlers quickly caught up in the seventh inning, scoring three runs making it a 6-5 game.
The stands were full of supporters eagerly watching the game; however, the Jacksonville crowd outnumbered FAMU fans.
Although the opposing team outnumbered FAMU fans, FAMU women’s basketball team made an appearance to cheer on the rattlers for the game’s entirety.
Regan Anderson, former FAMU women’s basketball athlete, shed some light on supporting FAMU athletics.
“I know firsthand how important it is to have support out in the stands. Having fans cheer you on while playing only motivated me to push harder, so I am glad that I could show some love to the baseball team, and I encourage others to support as well.”
By the bottom of the ninth inning, the score was 6-6, sending the game into extras. In the twelfth inning, Jacksonville scored three runs winning the game.
Jeremiah McCollum, a senior pitcher at FAMU, said the game was a tough loss but still has hope for the rest of the season.
“It was disappointing losing a nail-biter, but the fight and effort our team showed was a good thing. I am excited for the rest of the SWAC season,” McCollum said. “We started off shaky, but I think we were just adjusting to the SWAC’s play style. Winning a championship is always the end goal and I believe we have enough pieces and the right guys to bring a championship back to Tallahassee.”
This weekend, the Rattlers will return to the dugout in hopes of defeating the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in Huntsville, Alabama.
Kelyn Fox, a FAMU baseball pitcher, is confident in winning this weekend.
“This weekend is a pivotal weekend to continue the success we built last weekend,” Fox said. “Alabama A&M currently has the same conference record as us, so we can use this chance to regain control before playing Bethune Cookman next weekend.”