FIRST PITCH
Score: North Florida 6 | Queens 5
Records: North Florida (12-6 overall, 2-0 ASUN) | Queens (4-15 overall, 0-2 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (The Stick)
 
The Short Story: Despite plating a pair in the bottom of the ninth and loading the bases with two outs, the Queens University of Charlotte baseball team dropped the series finale to North Florida by a final score of 6-5.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-The visiting Ospreys would threaten first in the top of the second inning following a leadoff walk. Queens starter Joey Ruller worked a strikeout before an error put runners on first and second. North Florida attempted to advance 90 feet on stolen bases, but batter's interference would make the second out as both runners had to return to their bases. A two-out walk loaded the bases before a lineout to third base got the Royals out of the jam.
-Queens would strike first in the bottom of the second inning capitalizing on a North Florida error. Nick Alderfer ripped a one-out single up the middle before advancing to second on a passed ball. Mason Kelly would hit a chopper to the pitcher, and the Ospreys started attempted to cut down Alderfer at third, but a defensive miscue from the third baseman allowed Alderfer to score while Kelly took second.
-North Florida immediately answered with a run on two hits and an error. After Ruller recorded two quick outs, the Ospreys would load the bases behind consecutive singles and a walk. Cade Reich would plate the tying run on an error by the Royals third baseman.
-The Ospreys would regain the lead in the top of the sixth with three runs on two hits and a Royals error. After a leadoff single and a walk, the Ospreys capitalized on an errant throw on a sacrifice bunt to plate a pair. With a runner on second and one out, Drew Leinenbach singled to left field to bring around the third run of the frame.
-North Florida extended their lead in the top of the seventh with two more runs on three hits. A one-out double to right center brought home both Osprey runners to give them a 6-1 lead.
-Queens cut into the deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning after Dillon Lewis reached on an error. With one away, Zach Weston belted his third home run of the season to right field bringing the score to 6-3.
-The Royals would not go away easily in the ninth. After the first two batters were retired in order, Queens brought seven batters to the plate and plated two runs on two hits. With the bases loaded, two outs, and a 3-2 count, Ospreys reliever Jordan Wimpelberg got the strikeout to secure the 6-5 win.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
-Veteran Zach Weston continued his hot streak at the plate going 2-for-4, including his team-leading seventh double and a home run. The Charlotte native has knocked a hit in 14 games this season as he's reached safely in 15-of-20 games.
-Junior Nick Alderfer had another great day at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance. The multi-hit performance was Alderfer's second on the year as he is hitting .333 which ranks second on the team.
-Dillon Lewis notched his 10^th multi-hit game of the season with a 2-for-5 day. The Charlotte native is hitting a team-best .350 on the season.
-JJ Sousa and Tyler Peters rounded out the offense with a hit each.
-Queens starter Joey Ruller tossed an effective 4.2 innings before exiting due to injury. The sophomore surrendered one unearned run while striking out five Ospreys.
-Relievers Andrew White and Joseph Rodriguez hurled a pair of scoreless innings to close out the game.
 
NEXT UP
Queens will head on the road next week for a four-game swing beginning at Appalachian State on Tuesday, March 19^th. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on ESPN Plus. Following the midweek tilt, the Royals will head to Austin Peay over the weekend for their second ASUN series.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the baseball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with Queens Baseball throughout the offseason. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of the Royals' Athletics.