FIRST PITCH
Score: FGCU 8 | Queens 1
Records: FGCU (17-24 overall, 7-12 ASUN) | Queens (5-34 overall, 3-16 ASUN)
Location: Swanson Stadium (Fort Myers, Fla.)
 
The Short Story:
The Queens University of Charlotte baseball team dropped the series opener at Florida Gulf Coast on Friday night. The Eagles scattered 15 hits on the day and hit .333 with runners in scoring position to grab the opener. Despite the loss, freshman Ryan Brown stayed hot at the plate going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED
-After loading the bases in the top of the first inning and failing to capitalize, Queens executed in the second inning with a run on two hits. Jay Polite got the rally started with a single to the pitcher before a sacrifice bunt from Jacob Grimes advanced Polite into scoring position. Freshman Ryan Brown capitalized with a two-out RBI single through the left side for the early 1-0 lead.
-Florida Gulf Coast responded back in the bottom of the second inning as the Royals turned to the bullpen. Tyler Herb led off the inning with a single up the middle before a one-out single from Aidan Corn put a runner in scoring position. Herb swiped third and a fielder's choice brought across the tying run.
-The Eagles gained their first lead of the night in the bottom of the fourth inning when Jon Embury led off the inning with a solo home run. Two batters later, Jaret Nelson left the yard to extend the lead to 3-1. Following a two-out walk and stolen base from Jake McKee, an RBI single from Evan Dempsey pushed the Eagles lead to 4-1.
-For the second straight frame, the Eagles scratched across a run. Harrison Povey sent a towering fly ball to center field which was lost in the lights and bounced off the wall and back towards the infield. The center fielder was speeding around the bases and came around to score for an inside-the-park home run.
-The Eagles added three insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning behind six hits. Harrison Povey led off the inning with a home run to right field before back-to-back singles from Cayden Hessemyer and Jon Embury kept the offensive momentum. A ground out to the pitcher would advance both runners into scoring position and Jaret Nelson capitalized with a two-run single through the left side to extend the lead to 8-1.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Freshman Ryan Brown paced the Queens offense with a 2-for-4 night, including an RBI. The Ashland, Kentucky native recorded his third multi-hit game of the season as he's reached base safely in seven straight games.
-Lenox Lively, Nick Alderfer, and Jay Polite rounded out the offense with a hit.
-Right-hander Jack Brooker made his _ start of the season and tossed a scoreless frame with a strikeout.
-Evan Dempsey improved to 2-1 on the mound for the Eagles after throwing 7.0 innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six.
-Florida Gulf Coast sprayed 15 hits on the night as six Eagles turned in multi-hit games. Harrison Povey led the charge with a 2-for-5 performance, including two home runs, two RBI, and two runs scored.
-Both offenses got runners on base, but the Eagles capitalized with a .412 batting average in those situations while holding the Royals to a .182 mark.

NEXT UP
Queens and FGCU will return to action on Saturday, March 26^th. The first pitch has been pushed back to 4:00 p.m. from Swanson Stadium 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 offseason. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of the Royals' Athletics.