Titans Pull Out Another Victory to Remain Alive

Talk about a gutty performance.

Less than 12 hours after saving their season with a rain-delayed, early-morning victory over the College of Central Florida, the Eastern Florida State College baseball team did it again Tuesday.

Rallying from a 5-2 deficit and another hour-long rain delay, the Titans stormed back to defeat St. Petersburg College 10-8 at the NJCAA District/FCSAA Tournament at Henley Field in Lakeland.

Norberto Navarro drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and leadoff hitter Manny Rodriguez had four hits, scored three runs and drove in a run for the No. 7 Titans (34-17).

Ruben Garcia had three hits and an RBI and made another rare relief appearance, pitching the final 2 2/3 innings to get the win.

EFSC will play in its third straight elimination game at 7 p.m. Wednesday against Gulf Coast State.

Hopefully, for the Titans' sake, they will be able to get a little more rest before that one.

Monday night's game against Central Florida was delayed by rain for just over 3 ½ hours. While the Titans were able to eliminate the Patriots with a 10-6 victory, the game didn't end until 2:15 a.m.

Tuesday's game started at 1:30 p.m. and despite the lack of sleep, EFSC was able to jump out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a two-run single by Sammy Duran.

However, St. Petersburg answered with five runs in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of three walks and three two-out hits.

The game stayed that way until a one-hour rain delay just before the bottom of the fifth inning that forced both teams to go to their bullpens.

EFSC scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning on four hits, two crucial St. Petersburg errors to take an 8-6 lead.

St. Petersburg would rally to tie the score a 8-8, but in the top of the eighth, Rodriguez singled, stole second and scored on a single by Navarro. Garcia delivered an insurance run in the top of the ninth.

Garcia, who normally plays first base for the Titans, had only pitched three innings during the regular season. He followed starter Daniel Garmendia and reliever Tim Luth on Wednesday to help close out another big victory for EFSC.

"Right now, it is an entire team effort," Titans coach Jeff Tam said. "So proud of these guys and the adversity they have faced, finishing a game at 2:15 a.m., dog tired.

"Just need arms to pitch in the strike zone a little more consistently and to keep swinging it."