BRADENTON, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots rallied from a four-run deficit to take the lead heading into the ninth inning, but a walk-off grand slam by State College of Florida Manatee second baseman Allan Gil sealed a 10-6 victory for the Manatees.
CF starting pitcher Brayden Toro allowed nine hits over 4.1 innings but managed to avoid surrendering an earned run. However, a series of defensive miscues allowed SCF to build a 5-1 lead by the sixth inning.
The Patriots answered back in the top of the sixth. A Tanner Swank RBI single, followed by a Marcus Bradshaw triple that drove in two more runs, brought CF within one, 5-4.
In the top of the eighth, Anthony Diaz drew a leadoff walk, and Miles Curley followed with his third home run of the season to give CF its first lead of the game, 6-5.
But the Pats couldn’t hold the lead in the bottom of the ninth. Myles Davis led off with a single, Ben Ryan walked, and Luke Boykin laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Holden Brauner was hit by a pitch to tie the game 6-6. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Gil launched a grand slam over the left-field fence, securing the walk-off win for SCF.
Leading the way offensively for CF were Bradshaw (2-for-5, triple, 2 RBI), Curley (home run, 2 RBI), Swank (2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI), and Armando Guirola (2-for-4, run).
The win improves SCF to 24-12 overall and 12-7 in the Citrus Conference. CF drops to 26-9 overall and 11-8 in conference play.
The teams will conclude their three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday at Goodlett Field on the College of Central Florida campus. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m., with Game 2 to follow at 3 p.m.