OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida Patriots didn’t dominate the weekend like they did on opening weekend, but they found ways to stay undefeated with a pair of walk-off victories.

On Friday, the Patriots hosted the South Florida State College Panthers in a matchup of unbeaten teams. CF never trailed but needed a bases-loaded walk to secure a dramatic 13-12 victory in the bottom of the ninth.

Jacob McKenzie steps up to the plate during a crucial at-bat, later delivering a game-tying two-run home run in the eighth inning against TNXL Academy.
Jacob McKenzie steps up to the plate during a crucial at-bat, later delivering a game-tying two-run home run in the eighth inning against TNXL Academy. Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

Logan Chapman drew the game-winning walk, forcing in Dawson Harman for the win. Harman continued his torrid start to the season, belting two home runs—his fourth and fifth of the year—while scoring four runs and driving in four. Chapman and Bruno Schafer each tallied three hits, and Miles Curley contributed a two-run double.

“This team has grit,” CF coach Jon Koenigsfeld said. “No matter what the situation, they don’t give up.”

The high-scoring contest featured 25 total runs, 31 hits, and eight combined errors. CF’s victory improved the Patriots to 5-0 while handing South Florida State its first loss of the season at 5-1.

Reliever Jay Jung (1-0) earned the win, tossing the final 1.1 innings and allowing just one hit while striking out one.

Another Ninth-Inning Rally

On Saturday, CF battled the TNXL Academy Ducks and found itself trailing for much of the game. The Patriots pulled even in the bottom of the eighth when Jacob McKenzie launched a towering two-run home run to tie it at 4-4.

The Ducks quickly responded, plating two runs in the top of the ninth to regain the lead at 6-4.

But in the bottom half of the frame, the Patriots pulled off an improbable rally—without registering a hit. A hit batter, an error, two walks, and three wild pitches allowed CF to push three runs across and walk off with a 7-6 win.

Peyton Fall delivers a pitch during his start against TNXL Academy, striking out five batters over four innings of work.
Peyton Fall delivers a pitch during his start against TNXL Academy, striking out five batters over four innings of work. Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

“This team is playing like the grass,” CF assistant coach Tony Voiro said. “It grows slowly, but is getting greener.”

Peyton Fall started on the mound for CF, throwing four innings while allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts. Cory Geinzer followed with 3.1 strong innings, surrendering just one run while striking out five. Curley (2-0) picked up the win in relief, recording the final two outs of the ninth.

With the pair of thrilling victories, the Patriots improved to 6-0. CF will hit the road Tuesday to face Rollins College before a rematch Friday at South Florida State College. The Patriots return home on Saturday, Feb. 8, for a doubleheader against South Georgia State College at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.