TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –For the first time since 1998 the Rattlers slide past Troy. FAMU (8-15, 4-5 MEAC) wins 2-1 over the Trojans (11-14, 4-5 Sun Belt). The win also snaps a 15-game losing streak to the Trojans. The Rattler pitching staff had a strong performance as they took a shutout into the ninth inning before giving up the lone run in the final inning. Troy worked the bases loaded in the ninth after three straight hit-by-pitches, but a double play and a great diving catch by Peter Jackson in right field for the final out sealed the victory.
Ryan Kennedy was a perfect 3-for-3 on the day at the plate, while Alec Wong and Michael Birdsong each went 2-for-4 for the Florida A&M offense. Birdsong recorded his second home run of the season, a solo shot, in the sixth inning.
FAMU reliever Brandon Fleming (3-0) came in to relieve starter Ricky Page in the fourth inning and pitched four scoreless innings for the win. Fleming only allowed two hits and struck out two Trojan batters. Kenny McDonald picked up his fourth save of the season after closing out the ninth inning.
The Rattlers scored first with a single run in the bottom of the third inning for a score of 1-0. AJ Elkins singled into right center with one out, moved to second on a groundout from Marlon Gibbs before coming around to score on Kennedy’s RBI single to left.
Birdsong increased the FAMU lead to 2-0 with a solo home run in the sixth inning, his second of the season. Logan Seymour and Wong then recorded back-to-back singles with two outs and Elkins was walked to load the bases, but Gibbs flew out to center to end the inning.
Things got a little interesting in the top of the ninth as Logan Hill, Trevin Hall and Cameron Sander were each hit-by-pitch by Rattler reliever McDonald to start the top of the ninth. With the bases loaded, Nick Masonia grounded into a 6-4-3 double play allowing Hill to score from third and cutting the lead to 2-1. With the tying run on third and go-ahead run on second, Peyton Fuller hit a ball into right field that was tailing away from right fielder Jackson, but Jackson made a great diving catch to end the game and preserve the win.
Trojan starter Corey Childress (2-3) suffered the loss after allowing just one run in the third inning. Childress worked three innings with three hits, four strikeouts and two walks.
Florida A&M continues its’ nine-game home stand this weekend by hosting North Carolina A&T. The series will start with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1:00 PM and Sunday’s game will also be at 1:00 PM.
***FAMU Athletics
