ST. AUGUSTINE -- USCB dropped the opening game of a three-game Peach Belt Conference series against Flagler, falling 6-3 on Friday evening. Despite an early offensive edge, the Sand Sharks couldn't overcome a pivotal four-run fourth inning from the Saints.
USCB started strong, out-hitting Flagler early. In the first inning, Saria Simmons worked a walk to lead off the game, immediately putting pressure on Flagler's defense. Taelor Chang followed with a sharp single to left-center, advancing Simmons to second. However, a flyout and a strikeout ended the early threat, leaving two runners stranded.
In the second, the Sand Sharks continued to find ways on base as Katelyn Boyette laced a single to right-center. Tamiyah Whitlock followed with a perfectly placed bunt single, putting two on with no outs. However, a pop-out, strikeout, and flyout kept USCB off the scoreboard.
Senior left-hander Cierra Kinlaw was dominant through the first three innings, retiring the first nine batters she faced with one strikeout. However, Flagler broke through in the fourth inning, seizing momentum with a grand slam from Reese Snipes.
Kinlaw tossed a complete game, pitching six innings while allowing six runs on five hits with three strikeouts. She remained in control until the fourth when a one-out single and back-to-back walks set the stage for Snipes, who launched an 0-1 pitch over the left-field fence to put the Saints up 4-0.
The Sand Sharks looked poised to respond in the top of the fifth when Boyette led off with another single. Whitlock once again executed a bunt single to put two runners on with no outs. However, a deep flyout and a strikeout ended the threat, leaving both runners stranded.
USCB found success an inning later, cutting into the deficit with a surge of offense. Addie Reynolds provided a spark with her sixth home run of the season, a solo shot to left field to put the Sand Sharks on the board. Moments later, sophomore Saria Simmons came through with a two-run double, bringing USCB within a run at 4-3.
However, Flagler added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth when Kyla Knier lined a two-run single to center, extending the Saints' lead to 6-3. USCB went down in order in the top of the seventh, sealing the loss.
The Sand Sharks will look to bounce back in Saturday's doubleheader, with the first pitch set for 1 p.m.
