FIRST PITCH
Score: FGCU 7 | Queens 5
Records: FGCU (12-14 overall, 5-4 ASUN) | Queens (7-20 overall, 3-6 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (Richard "Stick" Williams Dream Fields)
 
The Short Story: Despite plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Queens University of Charlotte baseball team's comeback efforts fell short in the series finale as the Royals fell to FGCU 7-5.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-Following a scoreless first inning, the Royals plated three runs on three hits in the bottom of the second. Matthew Corlew led off the inning with a double to center field before Will Budnick blasted a two-run home run to right field. Keanu Spenser followed it up with a hit-by-pitch which was followed up by a fielder's choice. Mason Kelly roped a double to left center field putting runners in scoring position with one out. Freshman Jake Barbour came through in the clutch with a sacrifice fly to center field to cap off the scoring.
-FGCU responded immediately in the top of the third inning with three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs.
-The visiting Eagles added three more runs in the top of the fifth inning. A leadoff walk was followed by a single before Robert Moya blasted a three-run home run to take a 6-3 lead.
-FGCU extended their lead in the top of the seventh with a solo blast from Mac Moise.
-Queens would threaten in the bottom of the seventh as the Royals loaded the bases with one out. However, the Eagles new arm picked up back-to-back strikeouts to escape the jam.
-The Royals would not go away easily, plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth. Tyler Peters led off the rally with a double down the left-field line. Following a flyout, Jake Barbour ripped a single to left field bringing Peters around to score. Dillon Lewis followed it up with a double to left field which brought Barbour around to score. The Eagles would lock in however and get the final two outs to salvage the series.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Dillon Lewis led the offense with a 3-for-5 day as the Charlotte native has reached safely in 12 straight games. The multi-hit performance was his 16^th of the season, and fourth straight.
-Tyler Peters stayed hot at the plate going 2-for-4, including his third double of the year. Peters has posted a hit in five of the last six games.
-Freshman Jake Barbour recorded his fifth multi-hit game with a 2-for-3 afternoon, including two RBIs and a run.
-Will Budnick blasted his third home run of the season with a two-run shot in the second inning. The junior is riding a four-game hitting streak.
-Mason Kelly and Matthew Corlew rounded out the offense with a hit each. Corlew roped his fifth double of the year extending his hitting streak to four straight games.
-Freshman right-hander Jack Renaud made his first collegiate start and tossed 4.0 innings. Renaud surrendered three runs across five hits while striking out three Eagles.
-Isaac Kopalchick and Jack Brooker were dominant in relief over the final four innings. The pair of righties allowed just two hits and one run to give the Royals offense a chance at a comeback.
-FGCU blasted four home runs on the day while the Royals hit one.
 
NEXT UP
Queens will begin a lengthy nine-game road stretch on Tuesday, April 1^st at Davidson. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
 
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.