Manta Rays Take Series from Lake-Sumter State College

The FSCJ Manta Rays captured a three-game series against the Lake-Sumter State College Lakehawks, winning two of three contests at FSCJ North Campus. Newman's offensive prowess and strong pitching performances from Carson and Bradley highlighted the weekend, as the Manta Rays secured the series victory despite a hard-fought loss in the finale.

Game 1: Manta Rays 8, Lakehawks 5

Newman's standout performance powered FSCJ to an 8-5 victory in Friday's series opener. The versatile player went 3-for-4 at the plate, highlighted by a two-run home run to left field in the first inning that gave the Manta Rays an early advantage.

FSCJ jumped ahead 3-0 in the opening frame when Morales added a sacrifice fly following Newman's blast. The Manta Rays extended their lead to 4-2 in the third after Disbrow doubled down the right-field line, but Lake-Sumter responded in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single and sacrifice fly to tie the game at 4-4.

Daneault broke the deadlock in the fourth inning with a home run to right field, giving FSCJ a 6-4 advantage they would not relinquish.

Bradley was outstanding in relief, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing just one run on three hits with six strikeouts and four walks to earn the victory. Newman started on the mound, surrendering four runs on four hits over two innings with two strikeouts and four walks.

The Manta Rays collected 12 hits in the victory, with Newman and Disbrow each recording three hits. Collins added two hits in three at-bats.

Game 2: Manta Rays 2, Lakehawks 1

FSCJ prevailed in a pitcher's duel on Saturday, edging Lake-Sumter 2-1 behind a dominant performance from Carson. The Manta Rays struck first in the second inning when Gonzalez drove in a run on a groundout, then added the decisive run in the sixth as Newman launched a solo home run to center field.

Lake-Sumter answered with a solo homer to right field in the top of the seventh, but FSCJ's pitching held firm to preserve the narrow victory.

Carson was exceptional on the mound, recording 20 outs while allowing just one run on six hits over 6.2 innings. He struck out one and walked one before Musgrove entered in relief to help secure the win.

Collins paced the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, while Gonzalez and Newman each contributed an RBI in the low-scoring affair.

Game 3: Lakehawks 5, Manta Rays 4

The Manta Rays battled throughout Saturday's nightcap but came up short as Lake-Sumter used a late push to secure a 5-4 victory. With the game tied 4-4 heading into the ninth inning, the Lakehawks took the lead on an RBI single and held on for the win.

Morales led FSCJ offensively, going 3-for-4 with a double in the second inning that accounted for the Manta Rays' first run, plus singles in the sixth and eighth innings.

Lake-Sumter opened the scoring with a solo home run to right field in the third inning, then evened the score at 4-4 in the seventh using a pair of singles, including an RBI knock.

Hansen delivered a quality start for FSCJ, allowing just one run on five hits over six innings while striking out eight and walking two. Lake-Sumter's starter surrendered two runs on five hits across 4.1 innings with three strikeouts and five walks.

The pitching staff delivered strong performances across the series, particularly Carson's near-complete game in Game 2 and Hansen's eight-strikeout effort in Game 3.

Next Up:  The Manta Rays will look to build on this series win as they continue their season vs Edward Waters University on Wednesday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

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