ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Dan Branca went 2-for-3 with a run batted in as the Eckerd College baseball team lost a 7-6 nail-biter to Webber International University Tuesday night at the Turley Athletic Center. Eckerd's record is now 17-24, while the Warriors are now 23-28.
Both teams went scoreless for the first three innings of the ball game. The Warriors attacked first, scoring in the top of the fourth inning off a stolen base attempt with runners on first and third. Eckerd evened up the score during their at bats, scoring on Branca's sacrifice fly to center field that brought home Minner Labrador. The Tritons continued to score runs the next inning with Wess Hollins leading the inning off with a walk then advancing to third on Chris Clinton's bunt single. Matt Abraham followed Clinton with a single up the middle that allowed Hollins to come home, which brought the Tritons to a 2-1 lead. Joe Dabah was responsible for the other run, hitting a deep fly to left field that plated Clinton to make it a 3-1 ball game.
The Warriors wouldn't settle being two runs behind the Tritons as they scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning to have a 7-3 advantage over Eckerd. However, Webber's lead would not stop the Tritons, as they scored three runs throughout the next three innings to cut the lead to 7-6. Eckerd attempted a come back in the bottom of the ninth inning after Dabah led the inning off with a double down the left field line, but the Warrior defense was able to hold off the Tritons offense to end the game with the 7-6 victory.
The Tritons will return to the field this weekend as they get set to host Lynn University in for their final home series. Friday's game is set to start at 7:00 pm.
