Midway through the sixth inning Friday afternoon, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff seemed well on its way to winning its SWAC opener.
Florida A&M rallied over the final three and a half innings to defeat the UAPB baseball team 7-6 in the first game of the first SWAC series for each team at Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Fla.
UAPB (1-17, 0-1 SWAC) led 5-0 after a 2-RBI double by shortstop Jesus Riera in the top of the sixth inning. The Golden Lions had scored 1 run in the second and 2 runs in the fifth.
FAMU (7-11, 1-0) began the comeback in the bottom of the sixth. A solo home run by catcher Broedy Poppell started a 4-run inning to bring the Rattlers within a run. UAPB added a run in the top of the seventh, but FAMU tied the game at 6 in the bottom half.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, designated hitter Ethan Miller gave the Rattlers the lead with an RBI single to center field. UAPB went on to load the bases with two outs in the top of the ninth, but a ground ball allowed the Rattlers to escape with the win.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB reliever Steffan Fak (1-1) allowed 2 runs on five hits across the final two innings after starter Brant Voth allowed 4 runs on six hits in a six-inning start. UAPB pitching combined for seven strikeouts and four walks.
FAMU starter Caleb Granger allowed 6 runs, 4 earned, on 10 hits in seven innings before reliever Cody Williams (1-0) held UAPB to one hit and one walk in two scoreless innings to end the game.
Left fielder Carlos Rodriguez-Velez hit 3 for 4 for UAPB with a walk. Riera led the team with 2 RBI. FAMU first baseman Josue Figueroa led the Rattlers with 2 RBI and a run, while Poppell hit 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs.
The box scores from Saturday’s game were not available in time for this story.