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Marzheuser Dazzles in Panthers Split

The Florida Tech Panthers started a weekend series against the Spring Hill Badgers on Saturday, splitting a doubleheader at Andy Seminick-Les Hall Field. Florida Tech won the first game 8-0, before losing game two 3-2 in 10 innings.

In game one, Panthers ace Andy Marzheuser looked more like the Marzheuser we are used to. After struggling in his first two starts, Marzheuser pitched six no-hit innings, before giving up a double to Grayson Williams with one out in the seventh inning.

The Panthers offense gave Marzheuser plenty of support, plating three runs in the bottom of the first. Rodnie Bernard singled to start the game and a bunt single by Raul Quintero sent him to second. One out later, Dylan Owens singled to load the bases. Jakob Newton chased both guys home with a double, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead. Newton stole second and the throw from the catcher went into the outfield, and Newton was able to score the Panthers third run of the frame.

Florida Tech added a run in the sixth inning on an RBI double by Blaise Maris. They would get two more in the seventh, starting with a walk to Brian Lopes and a single by Bernard. A double by Owens with two outs made it 6-0.

Spring Hill’s second hit came in the top of the eighth, a single by Joe Stevens. Marzheuser bounced back to get the last two outs of the inning, ending his night giving up two hits and a walk in eight innings. He was in command throughout, throwing just 87 pitches (59 strikes).

Bernard and Quintero paired up again in the bottom of the eighth hitting back-to-back RBI singles. That made it 8-0.

Justin Barney came in to pitch the ninth and despite hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch, he got out of the inning unscathed, giving Florida Tech the win in game one.

Bernard, Quintero, and Owens each had two hits and Owens and Newton had two RBIs apiece.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Spring Hill (Game 1)

Joey Hecht got the start in game two for the Panthers. He gave up back-to-back singles and a sac bunt in the top of the second. A wild pitch allowed Daniel Rodriguez to score and give the Badgers a 1-0 lead.

Spring Hill (4-5) got a run in the top of the fourth when Rodriguez singled with one out and went to second on a passed ball. One out later, Joseph Guidry singled Rodriguez home with an unearned run, giving the Badgers a 2-0 lead.

Florida Tech (2-7) would get a run back in the bottom of the inning with a Quintero double starting things off. He went to third on a Brett Parrish single and would score when Owens grounded into a double play.

Hecht was done after five innings, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned). He struck out three and walked one, throwing 60 pitches.

Blake Beyel took over for Hecht in the top of the sixth.  He git through that inning and after giving up a single to start the seventh, struck out the next three batters.

The Panthers had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the eighth when Quintero walked, and Owens reached on a fielder’s choice. An error on the play moved both runners up 90 feet, only to see the next two batters retired.

The bottom of the ninth presented another opportunity, and Florida Tech capitalized this time around. Vinny Catanza walked and went to second on a sacrifice before Lopes pinch ran for him. After a wild pitch got him to third, a Josh Ford single brought him home with the tying run, sending this game to the 10th inning.

Beyel gave up three hits in four innings, striking out five. He threw 41 pitches.

Jake Lane (0-1) got the first out but proceeded to walk three straight batters, loading the bases. Hunter Romero’s sac fly would score Stevens and give the Badgers a 3-2 lead.

Owens singled with one out in the bottom of the inning, but he was stranded there, ending the game and giving Spring Hill the split.

For more info: Spring Hill @ Florida Tech Box Score (Game 2)

This series wraps up on Sunday at noon at Seminick-Hall Field.