Florida Gulf Coast University advanced in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament with a 4-3 win over Central Arkansas on May 21. The game, which was delayed by more than 12 hours, saw the Eagles hit three home runs and pitcher Evan Dempsey record ten strikeouts.
The victory allows FGCU (35-20, 17-12 ASUN) to move into the double elimination portion of the bracket, where they will face No. 2 seed Lipscomb at Melching Field at Conrad Park in DeLand. Central Arkansas ended its season with a record of 31-26.
Jeremy Comer led FGCU’s offense with two home runs to right field in consecutive at-bats during the fourth and sixth innings. Nathan Gagnon added another solo homer in the sixth inning. Wilfred Gonzalez contributed an RBI single in the fifth inning that brought Javier Gorostola home.
Dempsey improved his season record to seven wins and two losses after pitching six scoreless innings and striking out ten batters while allowing four hits and two walks. Ashton Pocol closed out the game for his sixth save of the season by striking out two batters despite giving up one run on two hits. Preston Rogers also contributed to a combined total of fourteen strikeouts for FGCU pitchers during the game.
Central Arkansas was led offensively by Jagger Schattle with three hits and Parker Gwyn with two doubles and an RBI. Keaton Laidley drove in two runs and stole a base as part of UCA’s ninth-inning rally attempt, but FGCU held on for the win.
With this result, Florida Gulf Coast extended its winning streak in ASUN Tournament play to five games and now holds a historical tournament record of 37 wins against 23 losses.
