PANAMA CITY, Fla. – A big fifth inning doomed the Tallahassee Community College Eagles on Monday evening as they lost game two of a three-game series at Gulf Coast State College, 5-2.
The Eagles are now 26-12 on the season after today’s loss and 4-4 in Panhandle Conference play.
A game that looked destined to be a pitchers' duel came undone in the fifth inning when the Eagles gave up four runs and watched a 1-0 lead go by the wayside.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Eagles broke the stalemate, scoring the game's first run. Ethan Crout got it started when he walked to get on base and advanced into scoring position, reaching third base on a single by Chad Mabini into right field. D.J. McKnight singled to right field to bring Crout home as the Eagles took a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the fifth inning the Eagles surrendered four runs as Gulf Coast State took a 4-1 lead.
The Commodores added an insurance run in the seventh for a 5-1 advantage.
In the eighth inning, the Eagles tried to rally back but only mustered one run to cut the lead to 5-2.
Geremy Walton scored the inning's only run. After reaching base on a single, he was plated on a single from Mac Wilson.
Despite the loss, Tallahassee received a pair of outstanding offensive performance. Ethan Crout went 3-for-3 and Cody Fulton was 4-for-4.
Kyle Pausche got the start on the mound for the Eagles before being relieved by Cameron Paley after the first inning. Paley, who was charged with the loss, pitched three innings and struck out three batters.
Tonight's outcome sets up a rubber match between the two teams at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Eagle Field.
Prior to Wednesday's first pitch, fans are invited to attend the Sunshine Savings Bank Pregame Tailgate.
The tailgate party begins at 3 p.m., followed by TCC Softball vs. Northwest Florida State College at 4 p.m. and TCC Baseball at 5 p.m. The first 300 fans will receive #TCCBirdgang t-shirts, courtesy of Sunshine Savings Bank. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided, courtesy of Halftime Pie Pub and Refreshment Services Pepsi.
*TCC Sports Information
