Story written and posted by Anthony Perry '08, Fisher College Associate Director of Athletics

HIALEAH, FLA. – The Fisher College Baseball team split the series opening double-header this afternoon against Continental Athletic Conference opponent, Florida National University at Alex Fernandez Field. The Falcons hung on for a 7-6 game one win before leaving the tying runs on base in an 11-9 setback in game two. Fisher is now 7-2 on the season (7-2 CAC) while the Conquistadors slide to 7-10 (1-1 CAC).

Game One: Fisher College 7, Florida National University 6 (Final)

Senior left-hander Yadiel Cuadrado (Yabucoa, Puerto Rico) scattered six strikeouts over five innings and junior Yariel Salinas (San Juan, Puerto Rico) went 3-for-4 as the Falcons held on for a 7-6 win in the series opener.

Fisher quickly jumped out to a 7-1 lead after four innings due to the explosive Salinas. The veteran outfielder added a pair of RBI doubles in the third and fourth innings. Junior Gilbert Gomez (Santo Domingo, D.R.) also contributed with a 2 RBI double in the fourth to give the Falcons a six-run lead.

Florida National did not go down quietly as they stormed back with a four run sixth to cut the deficit to just two runs. FNU plated a run in the seventh before the tying run was stranded at third to end the game. Christian Febus and Roger Viloria had multi-hit games for the Conquistadors.

Cuadrado (2-0) surrender just one unearned run on four hits while issuing two walks in his day of work. A trio of relievers finished off the contest with junior Maylo Sierra (Bartlesville, Okla.) picking up his 2nd save of the season.

Alexis Dubeau (2-3) received the loss for the Conquistadors as he allowed seven runs – five earned – on seven hits in just 3.2 innings of work.

Game Two: Florida National University 11, Fisher College 9 (Final)

A four-run fifth inning was the difference as FNU pulled out an 11-9 win to even the series.

Sophomore Jatnier Torres (Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico) belted a three-run home run in the fifth as he finished the night-cap going 2-for-2 with 3 RBI. The Falcons also received RBI base hits from junior Gabriel Rivera (Miramar, Fla.) and freshman Ian Cabrera (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Senior Vance Serrano (Las Vegas, Nev.) was handed his first loss of the season (1-1) after allowing seven runs – five earned – on six hits while striking out three. Freshman Samuele Sbardolini (Brescia, Italy) was impressive in his debut as he tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief.

FNU got a three-run home run from Christopher Rivera and a pair of 2-RBI nights from Erick Rodriguez & Viloria to account for most of the offensive output. Rivera finished 2-for-3 with 4 RBI and three runs scored.

Josh Higgins earned the win on the hill as he went 4 innings, surrendering three runs – two earned – on three hits and striking out three.

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The three-game series between the two conference foes will wrap up tomorrow with a 12pm scheduled first pitch from Alex Fernandez Field.