OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) baseball team rebounded with a strong pitching performance in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader against Seminole State College, securing a 7-1 victory after allowing sixteen runs in Thursday’s series opener.

Hunter Jones (1-0) set the tone on the mound, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just three hits to earn the win. Jay Jung took over for the final three innings, surrendering only one run on three hits and striking out two to earn the save.

CF pitching coach JC Sanner surveys the field during a game, providing guidance to his players.
CF pitching coach JC Sanner surveys the field during a game, providing guidance to his players. Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

Logan Chapman led the Patriots’ offense with three RBIs, while Brett House contributed two. Anthony Diaz added to the attack with a triple.

In game two, CF struggled offensively in a 6-2 loss, stifled by the strong pitching of Carter Krawchuk (2-3), who went seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs. The Patriots managed just two multi-hit performances – House went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Tanner Swank recorded two singles. CF left twelve runners stranded, as timely hitting proved elusive.

CF pitcher Jay Jung delivers a pitch during a game. Jung recorded a save with three strong innings on the mound.
CF pitcher Jay Jung delivers a pitch during a game. Jung recorded a save with three strong innings on the mound. Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

The pivotal moment came in the bottom of the fourth when Kaiden Lopez delivered a bases-loaded, two-out double, breaking a 2-2 tie and giving the Raiders a 5-2 lead they would not surrender.

One bright spot for CF was the relief effort from Cory Geinzer, who pitched four innings, allowing just one hit, one unearned run, and striking out five.

CF pitcher Corey Geinzer fires a pitch during a game. Geinzer delivered four strong innings in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out five.
CF pitcher Corey Geinzer fires a pitch during a game. Geinzer delivered four strong innings in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out five. Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

With the split, CF moves to 19-6 on the season and 7-5 in Citrus Conference play, while Seminole State stands at 17-9 and 7-5.

The Patriots return to action at home on Tuesday, hosting Florida State College – Jacksonville at Goodlett Field. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.

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