ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF Baseball team came up just short Friday, dropping a 4-3 decision to Dartmouth at the UCF Baseball Complex.
The game was decided in the ninth inning, as the Big Green manufactured what would be the game winning run. Reliever Jordan Scheftz walked the first batter and then battled back to strike out the second. Another walk followed by an error on a sharply hit ball to second, gave Dartmouth the lead as a run scored from second.
The Knights were unable to rally back as they had earlier in the game, as they went down in order in the bottom of the ninth.
In the top of the second, Dartmouth's clean-up man sent the first pitch over the fence in left to give the Big Green a 1-0 lead. Three more singles would add a second run in the inning before the Knights were able to retire the side.
UCF tied the game in the bottom of third, after three walks loaded the bases with two outs. First baseman Rylan Thomas came up big, working to a full count and fouling off six pitches before lacing the 11th pitch he saw to the left side for a pair of RBIs.
The Big Green scored again in the fourth, after a lead-off double and a ground ball out put a runner on third. Howell struck out the next hitter and got a ground ball to third, but a throwing error allowed the run to score.
The Black and Gold tied the game again in the fifth after a walk, single, and a wild pitch gave the Knights runners on second and third with one out. Thomas delivered again, with blast just short of the wall in right field, allowing designated hitter Eli Putnam to score on the sacrifice.
The Knights fall to 18-5 on the season, going 16-3 at home and 2-2 on the road. Game two with Dartmouth is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the UCF Baseball Complex. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 sodas at the concession stand while supplies last. Purchase tickets in advance by clicking here or calling 407-UCF-1000.
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