FIRST PITCH
Score: Queens 10 | FGCU 0
Records: Queens (6-19 overall, 2-5 ASUN) | FGCU (11-13 overall, 4-3 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (Richard "Stick" Williams Dream Fields)
 
The Short Story: Behind a quality start from Landry Jurecka and an explosive six-run fourth inning, the Queens University of Charlotte baseball team took down Florida Gulf Coast 10-0 to open the three-game series.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-Queens got the scoring started early with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Following a one-out double from Evan Zapp, the freshman scored on a defensive error by the Eagles shortstop.
-After being retired in the second and third innings, the Royals erupted for six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Will Budnick got the inning started with a one-out single to right field. Mason Kelly and Jake Barbour worked back-to-back walks forcing an FGCU pitching change. Dillon Lewis greeted the new arm with a seeing-eye single up the middle to bring home two runs. Evan Zapp worked a one-out walk to load the bases before Tyler Cotto roped a bases-clearing double to extend the Royals lead to 6-0. Matthew Corlew followed it up with an RBI single to left field to cap off the big inning for Queens.
-The Royals would add another run in the fifth inning by capitalizing on another Eagles error. With runners on first and second and one out, Jake Barbour reached on an error by the Eagles first baseman which brought home Tyler Peters.
-Will Budnick led off the bottom of the seventh with a double off the right field fence. A defensive error by FGCU would put runners on the corners as the Royals threatened again. Mason Kelly would swipe second and advance to third on a throwing error by the catcher. The miscue brought home Budnick before Dillon Lewis singled through the left side to end the game in seven innings.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Royals starter Landry Jurecka was dominant in his seventh start of the season. The sophomore tossed 6.1 scoreless innings while surrendering three hits and striking out eight Eagles.
-Freshman Evan Zapp turned in his third multi-hit performance of the season with a 2-for-2 evening. The right fielder roped his first double of the year down the left-field line before scoring in the first inning on the Eagles error.
-Senior Tyler Cotto remained hot with a 1-for-4 night. The Arizona native drove in three runs on a double marking the 13^th game with an RBI, and the fourth straight.
-Charlotte native Dillon Lewis finished 2-for-5 with three runs driven in. The junior has now reached safely in 10 straight games.
-Veteran Will Budnick turned in his fourth multi-hit game, and second straight with a 2-for-4 night. Budnick also came around to score twice.
-Mason Kelly got his eighth start of the season and posted a 1-for-2 night with two runs scored.
-Logan Schmitt came in to relieve Landry Jurecka and picked up a pair of outs before the Royals walked it off in the seventh. Schmitt worked around a pair of walks and picked up a pivotal strikeout.
-Queens hit .571 with runners on third and less than two outs.
-While the Eagles booted four errors, the Royals played a clean defensive game and improved to 3-1 on the year when turning in a clean sheet defensively.
 
NEXT UP
Queens and FGCU will return to action tomorrow, March 29^th for game two of the three-game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the baseball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with Queens Baseball throughout the season. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of the Royals' Athletics.