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.
More news that matters to you…
-
Brown’s Adventure Farm hosts 7 (themed) Weekends of Fall in Oxford starting Sept. 26
The farm on the Marion-Sumter County Line that’s famous for having stuff to do is going big over the next seven weekends.
-
The statewide 2026 Peanut Butter Challenge is almost here (also we’ll tell you what that is)
This pre-holiday donation contest has become a cherished annual tradition among some Florida counties, but all of us are invited to participate.
-
Stars, Strings and Swings: Ocala veterans’ music festival to benefit Combat Veterans to Careers
Get ready for Stars, Strings and Swings on Oct. 23 in Ocala, featuring Craig Morgan and Love & Theft while benefiting Combat Veterans to Careers.
-
Missing 29-year-old Summerfield woman found safe
Amber Wiggins went missing on September 18 and was located after a public announcement from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
-
Small kitchens in Marion County: What “getting by” looks like when the owner’s books have to absorb the cost of living
Cristina’s Deli and Smokey Drew’s BBQ in Ocala raised prices this year as wholesale food costs climbed and customers already stretched thin.