TALLAHASSEE, FL --The Florida A&M Rattlers fell 8-7 in a 10-inning matchup to the Eastern Illinois Panthers Friday.
Sophomore Caleb Granger (0-1) took the loss on the mound for Florida A&M (0-1, ).
Senior Jared Weber led the way offensively for the Rattlers, going 2-for-5 in the ballgame with two home runs and five RBI. Senior Ty Hanchey provided a standout effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a home run, two walks and an RBI. Junior Ty Jackson also contributed, going 2-for-5 for Florida A&M with a walk.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 2-0, the Rattlers first put runs on the board in the third inning. Florida A&M hit two home runs in the inning on the way to scoring four runs.
The Panthers then rallied to score three runs and take a 5-4 lead before the Rattlers got back on the board in the fifth. Florida A&M scored twice on Weber's two-run homer, which brought the Rattlers lead to 6-5.
Florida A&M's lead had disappeared once the ninth inning came around and turned into a 7-6 Eastern Illinois advantage, when the Rattlers tied up the game at seven. Eastern Illinois then scored one time over the remaining one inning to break the tie and grab the 8-7 win.
GAME NOTES
» Florida A&M got a two-homer day from Weber.
» Florida A&M's power output was led by Weber, who had two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Weber drove in five runs for the Rattlers.
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Rattlers took Eastern Illinois pitchers deep three times on Friday.
» Florida A&M pitchers limited Eastern Illinois to just 2-for-17 (.118) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 56 Eastern Illinois hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and 17 fly balls while striking out four.
» The Rattlers drew four walks from Eastern Illinois pitching.
» Weber led the Rattlers at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI.
» Eastern Illinois was led offensively by junior Cole Gober, who went 3-for-6 with a double, a home run and an RBI.
» Senior Mac Hickman led the Panthers pitching staff, throwing 2.2 shutout innings.