Box Score WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Baseball) – Florida Tech (13-9) barely dropped Game 1 of the series against Palm Beach Atlantic (16-9) on Friday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

In the box, seniors Grant McKown, Trent Masih and Read Neil led the Panthers recording two hits apiece. Junior Ryan Sinzenich concluded the match with one RBI on a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.

On the mound, Ty Cohen (2-2) earned his second seasonal loss. He allowed three runs and 10 hits with one walk in five innings. Rhett Willis (0-1) closed the game for FIT, striking-out two on three innings pitched and allowing one hit.

In the game opener of the series, the Sailfish got on the scoreboard first, picking up two runs in the bottom of the first. After three scoreless innings, the Crimson and Gray took the lead snatching three runs.

James Gronberg started the fifth inning with a walk. Masih then dropped a bunt to allow Gronberg to reach second, but due to a throwing error by the Palm Beach Atlantic pitcher, Gronberg was able to reach home and put FIT on the board.

With Masih at third, John Sternagel flared a sac-fly to deep left field, driving the Florida Tech runner home and tied the game up for FIT, 2-2. The Panthers line up continued the productive streak with Neal and McKown hitting back-to-back singles. On a runner at third and first situation, Sinzenich stepped to the plate and drove a single up the middle, putting Florida Tech ahead, 3-2.

The Sailfish eventually fought back and scratched three more runs in the home half, overlapping the Crimson and Gray, 5-3. The sixth and the seventh went blank for both dugouts, but in the top of the eight, the Panthers managed to reduce their disparity by grabbing one more run with a double by Panthers designated-hitter Nick Capra, which allowed Daniel Spizk to cross home plate.

In the bottom of the eight, sophomore Willis was able to conclude the offensive half for Palm Beach with a quick 1-2-3 frame. Despite the offensive efforts by the Florida Tech lineup, FIT eventually fell to the Sailfish 5-4.

The Panthers will be back on the diamond tomorrow, Mar. 18 for the series doubleheader against Palm Beach Atlantic. The set time for Game 2 is 12 p.m. ET, fans can access live coverage at Floridatechsports.com.