PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots struggled offensively in a 5-2 loss to Florida SouthWestern (FSW) State College on Saturday in the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Final Four.
The Patriots managed just three hits against FSW’s pitching duo. Cole Greer got the win, allowing three hits and two runs over six innings while striking out four. Nick Lorenz closed the game with three no-hit innings and three strikeouts to earn the save.
CF starting pitcher Brayden Toro turned in a complete game effort, allowing five runs—only two of them earned—across eight innings, with one walk and four strikeouts.
Florida Southwestern’s Devin Parks delivered the game’s only extra-base hit with a solo home run to lead off the fifth inning. CF’s offense was led by Miles Curley, who went 2-for-2 with an RBI, and Logan Chapman, who added an RBI single in the third inning.
The Patriots now face Gulf Coast State College on Sunday morning in an elimination game. CF defeated Gulf Coast 5-2 in Friday’s tournament opener. Gulf Coast stayed alive Saturday by edging State College of Florida – Manatee, 7-6, eliminating SCF.
The winner of Sunday’s matchup must beat FSW twice to claim the Region 8 title and advance to the JUCO World Series.