Florida SouthWestern State College’s run at the NJCAA World Series came to an end Sunday as Blinn College stormed back for a 14-13 win in an elimination game.
FSW, the tournament’s No. 3 seed, jumped out to a 13-7 lead after scoring in each of the first five innings. Anthony Ruocco homered in the first, Jake Mueller added a two-run shot in the fourth, and Nathan Fink and Carlos Sanchez each contributed key hits.
But Blinn, the defending national champions and No. 2 seed, rallied with seven unanswered runs. Ethan Gonzalez hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth as a part of a four-run inning to lead by one and complete the comeback.
FSW was held scoreless over the final four innings and finished with 15 hits and two errors. Blinn outhit FSW 18-15 and survived despite committing six errors.
Blinn advances in the elimination bracket, while FSW’s season comes to an end. The Blinn Buccaneers were sent to the losers bracket after falling to No. 9 seed Lake Land in their opener, while FSW was upset by No. 8 seed Salt Lake.