The Florida Tech Panthers suffered their second straight loss to Kentucky Wesleyan On Tuesday, losing 1-0 in the series finale. This follows Monday’s 8-2 loss in Monday’s series opener.
Preston Schumacher gave the Panthers a great performance on the mound Tuesday night, allowing one hit in five innings. He struck out three and did not walk a batter, throwing 58 pitches. The only hit he allowed was a single in the top of the fourth.
Kentucky Wesleyan (4-5) starter Devin Smith was equally as good for his team, throwing 6.1 innings, allowing five hits. The Panthers of Florida Tech loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth as Dylan Owens singled, Josh Ford walked, and Tyler Brown got a base hit. Smith then struck out Gabe Ferrer to end the inning.
Blake Beyel took the mound in the sixth, relieving Schumacher. Kentucky Wesleyan scored the only run of the game in the top of the seventh. Olin Clark struck out swinging but reached first on the play. A sac bunt got him to second and two consecutive wild pitches brought him home.
Florida Tech (5-14) had a great chance to score in the bottom of the seventh, as Alec Eldridge got on via error and went to second on the throw. A balk moved him to third, but he was anchored there. They would suffer a similar fate in the eighth, as Jakob Newton walked, got to second on a balk, and went to third on a sac fly. He was left stranded.
Florida Tech’s best chance came in the bottom of the ninth when a Rodnie Bernard walk was followed by consecutive singles from Raul Quintero and Brett Parrish. Unfortunately for the home-standing Panthers, Owens grounded into a game-ending double play.
With that, Beyel (0-1) was tagged with the loss. He allowed one hit, walked two and struck out two in two innings. Jake Lane pitched the final two innings, allowing three hits and walking one.
For more info: Kentucky Wesleyan @ Florida Tech Box Score
The Panthers get back into Sunshine State Conference play on Friday, as they begin a weekend series at Barry. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.