FGCU Takes Two of Three From Mercer

In a midseason matchup of Atlantic Sun baseball clubs looking for crucial conference wins, the Eagles took two of the three game series that spanned the weekend. 

The two wins bump FGCU (17-14, 10-5) up to a tie for third in the A-Sun standings while the series left Mercer (10-14, 5-7) slumping down to the eighth spot.

Defense came at a premium for both teams during the series both clubs lit up the scoreboard all weekend long.  Mercer won a tightly contested game Friday night at Claude Smith Field 9-7 with a huge two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Bears the lead. 

After missing the past four games with an ankle injury, second baseball Michael Langley’s bomb over the left-field wall brought the crowd to their feet as Mercer came from behind to secure the victory. 

The Friday night pitching matchup between Mercer’s Lath Guyer and FGCU’s Pete Woodworth lasted into the sixth inning, as both pitchers put together respectable, but not dominate performances from the mound. 

Offensively, both team’s bats were hot as the Eagles’ Josh Upchurch and Tim Roberson both went 3-4 from the plate with a home run and two RBI.

On Mercer’s side, Steven Karwatt’s 3-3 outing with 2 RBI and a run helped lead the way for the Bears.

Nick DiMauro (2-5, 2 runs), Tyler McCarty (3-5, RBI, run), and Casey Stuart (1-3, 2 RBI, run) also had timely hits during the course of the game for Mercer to capture its first ever victory over their Atlantic Sun rivals.

Saturday and Sunday afternoon were different stories.  Florida Gulf Coast fought off a late game rally by Mercer Saturday to preserve a 7-6 win. 

Lefty Chris Sale (4-3) pitched a gem, giving the Eagles a 6-2 lead going into the eighth inning, but a pair of homeruns from McCarty and DiMauro pulled the Bears even heading into the final frame.

Mikel Alvariz executed a perfect bunt in the top half of the ninth to score the winning run for FGCU.  Head Coach Craig Gibson used a "pitcher by committee' approach, using up six arms during the course of the game as Mercer reliever J.T. Odom (1-2) would suffer the loss.

Sunday’s matchup was delayed for a few hours due to wet field conditions, but both teams finished up the series despite the gray and cloudy skies above Claude Smith Field. 

In an offensive burst for both clubs, FGCU won 14-11 in a contest that saw a combined 41 hits on the day (FGCU 21, Mercer 20).  Although both teams scored plenty of runs, it was a six run second inning that propelled the Fort Myers-based school to victory. 

FGCU’s Tim Roberson showed once again why he’s one of the best in the conference, with a 4 for 5 day at the plate with four RBI and two runs.  His teammates, Alvarez and Brad Roberts would contribute a combined seven hits and six RBI as well. 

Mercer leadoff hitter continued his hot streak against the Eagles, hitting two homeruns and batting in four runs. 

Needless to say, it was an ugly day for pitchers on both teams.  Middle reliever Craig Crumbly (3-1) earned the win, pitching four innings and only surrendering two runs while Mercer starter Justice French (1-1) would lose the decision after giving up seven runs in only three innings.

After the game, Mercer head coach Craig Gibson told MercerBears.com, “In game three in college baseball, you really have to be on your game.  Scores tend to get up there sometimes, but if you play clean, you have a chance.” 

Gibson had to be pleased with the offensive response he saw from Michael Langley and Nick DiMauro despite the two losses and key injury to offensive weapon Jacob Tanis. 

Mercer continues conference play against Stetson in DeLand, Fla. next weekend after hosting SoCon foe College of Charleston at home on Wednesday.