BOCA RATON, Fla. - - The 16th ranked Lynn Fighting Knights scored four runs in the final two innings to ruin the Wilmington University baseball's upset bid, 6-3, on Tuesday afternoon at the Lynn Baseball Field.
The Wildcats (4-3) went toe-to-toe with the Knights (13-6), picking up nine hits and had chances throughout the game to draw even, but the Knights always had an answer.
The Wildcats had a chance to strike first in the top of the third, as Jesse Long started a two-out rally by reaching on an error. Rocky Ferrier singled to keep the inning alive before Max Carney lined one to right that dropped in. Long was waved home from second, but a great throw by the right fielder and an even better catch and tag by the catcher got Long at the plate.
The Knights then capitalized on the momentum and scored twice in the bottom of the third inning, scoring two on a double down the left field line.
Mike Annone sparked the Wildcats in the fourth, leading off with a double to right. Julian Kurych moved him over to third and Kendall Small drove him in with a single into right center to put the Wildcats on the board. But the rally was cut short as Logan Gilbert laced a ball but right at the third baseman who caught it and doubled up Small at first.
The Wildcats had a chance to tie it in the top of the seventh, but Lynn's outfield showed its strength once again. With Frank Nigro on second and two outs, Long singled back up the middle and Nigro was waved around third. But the throw to the plate was on the money again, getting Nigro to end the inning and keep Lynn on top.
Lynn used the momentum swing to fuel their at-bat in the home half of the inning, as they came up with a two-run shot to right to extend the lead to 4-1 after seven innings of play.
But the Wildcats didn't back down, as Ferrier started the top of the eighth with a single and stolen base. Now with one out, Annone answered the home run call with a dinger of his own, bringing the Wildcats back to within a single run, 4-3, after eight complete innings.
The Knights were able to put the Wildcats away for good, however, tacking on two more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning with another two-run double inside the third base bag, settling on the final score, 6-3.
Ferrier, Max Carney, and Annone all led the Wildcats with two hits apiece while Annone led the team with his two RBI.
Kyle Menchaca was saddled with the loss in his inning of work. Connor Davis earned the win with six innings of work for the Knights. Jonathon Wake earned the save in tossing the final two innings for the Knights.
The Wildcats travel down I-95 for a night game on Wednesday, as they head to Barry University for another matchup with a Sunshine State Conference opponent. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
