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Schumacher Shuts Down Malone in Winter Park

Preston Schumacher was dominant on the mound Monday, holding Malone to four hits in a 15-0 Panthers victory at Rollins College in Winter Park. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Panthers.

Schumacher (1-1) gave the Panthers a much-needed eight-inning performance, striking seven and walking one. He threw 95 pitches, 60 for strikes. The Panthers’ defense also turned two double plays behind him.

Florida Tech (6-17) had 15 hits to go along with their 15 runs. Blaise Maris led the Panthers hitting attack with a 3-for-4 day and two RBIs. Tyler Brown was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Raul Quintero went 2-for-5 went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored, and Alec Eldridge went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

The bottom of the Panthers order, including Brown, Ford, and Eldridge combined to go 6-for-12 with 10 RBIs.

The Panthers got off to a great start with five runs in the bottom of the first against Pioneers starter Tyrus Jones. Rodnie Bernard doubled, Quintero singled and Brett Parrish walked to load the bases. Dylan Owens was hit by a pitch to make it 1-0, and Maris followed with a two-run single. Brown’s fielder’s choice made it 4-0, and after Ford walked to load the bases, Malone called in James Kontur out of the bullpen. He allowed a sac fly to Eldridge. When all was said and done, Florida Tech sent 10 men to the plate, had three hits and scored five runs.

Newton’s two-run home run in the bottom of the third expanded the Panthers lead to 7-0. Meanwhile, Schumacher got a double play behind him to end the second and got through the sixth inning retiring 13 Pioneers in a row. He did allow a single to start the seventh, breaking that streak.

A walk in the bottom of the seventh to Owens got the Panthers started. He later scored on Brown’s RBI single, giving his team an 8-0 lead. Back-to-back doubles by Brown and Eldridge made it 11-0 Panthers.

Schumacher induced the second double play of the day, ending the inning and ending his stellar day on the mound.

Florida Tech got four for the second inning in a row, thanks to consecutive two-run doubles by Brown and pinch-hitter Gabriel Ferrer, capping the scoring and giving the Panthers a 15-0 lead.

Jordan Murray needed just eight pitches (five strikes) to retire Malone in order, ending the game.

For more info: Malone @ Florida Tech Box Score

The Panthers return home on Tuesday, to host Minnesota State University – Mankato. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.