MELBOURNE, FL (352today.com) – Both teams showcased strong performances on the mound Thursday, but it was the Eastern Florida State College Titans who delivered the clutch hit in a 2-0 victory over the College of Central Florida Patriots.
The game’s decisive moment came in the bottom of the fourth inning when Bryce Pax drilled a triple to deep right-center field, driving in the only two runs of the game. That was all the run support Titans pitcher Owen Simmons (4-0) needed. Simmons dominated on the mound, tossing a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out 11 without issuing a walk.
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Patriots starter Brayden Toro (0-2) was nearly as impressive, pitching eight strong innings. He surrendered only four hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking one.
With the win, Eastern Florida State improves to 12-5 (3-1 in conference play), while the loss drops Central Florida to 12-4 (1-3 in conference play). The two teams will continue their Citrus Conference series in Ocala on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 AM.
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