SCF Baseball Defeats PHSC

The SCF baseball team (10-9) pulled away with a close win at Wynn Field as they defeated Pasco-Hernando State (8-9) 5-4. With the win, the Manatees are now 8-2 against the Bobcats (2012-present).

Head coach Tim Hill II sent freshman Daniel Batcher to the mound, while PHSC head coach Lyndon Coleman sent sophomore Cameron Seiwert to counter.

The Panthers would get on the board first at the top of the second after an RBI single by redshirt freshman Mason Collins before the Manatees answered back from a two-run homer by freshman Owen Ayers for his second home run of the season. The Manatees would then add to their lead in the bottom of the third from an RBI double by sophomore Aaron McKeithan for a 3-1 SCF lead.

At the top of the fifth, the Bobcats would cut the Manatees' lead to one after an RBI single by sophomore Aaron Steinhart before classmate Milan Ellerson drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3 at the top of the seventh, but soon the Manatees would respond back with message in the bottom half of the seventh. After sophomore AJ Fritz lead off with a walk before Ayers reached base on a fielder's choice with Fritz out, freshman Jacob Steinberg would hit a pop single to right for sophomore Remi Patry. On the first pitch, the Quebecois native would line a sacrifice bunt and send Ayers home to give the Manatees back the lead. From there, freshman Steve Nitch would send a single to center and bring in Steinberg for a 5-3 SCF lead.

The Bobcats had one more crack at tying the game and even taking the lead for the first time after a sacrifice fly by Ellerson, but it was not enough as the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead.

Batcher would be dubbed with a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in five innings.

Sophomore Tony Rossi was the winner of the game after giving up one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts in two and a third innings. Rossi is now 1-0 on the year.

Stewart would be dubbed with the loss after he gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits with two strikeouts in three innings, putting hit at 0-1.

Freshman David Barrett gave up two one run on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts in one and two-thirds innings.

Sophomore Andrew Karch gave up two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout, while sophomore Angel Caba gave up one hit with one strikeout in one scoreless inning.

Sophomore Rook Ellington would finish 2-for-4 with a run. Ellington was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.

Ayers would go 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Ayers was the only Manatee with a multi-RBI game.

McKeithan, Nitch, Steinberg and sophomore John Malcom had the Manatees' other lone hits.

Steinhart and Ellerson each had two hits for the Bobcats. Ellerson (2-for-3) added two RBI, a walk and a stolen base, while Steinhart (2-for-4) added one RBI. Ellerson was the only Bobcat with a multi-RBI game.

Up Next:
The Manatees will be ready for a weekend of more home games at Wynn Field as they welcome the junior varsity team from the University of Tampa (4-3) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm and a rematch with Pasco-Hernando State Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.