The Murray State Racers baseball team lost a close game to the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Sunday, falling 10-9 after leading by five runs in the final inning. The defeat at John Euliano Park in Orlando resulted in a series sweep for UCF.
Murray State held a 9-4 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. However, UCF rallied with six runs in their last at-bat to secure a walk-off win.
Anthony Perritano had a standout performance for Murray State, recording three hits in three at-bats, driving in three runs and scoring twice. Perritano hit his first career home run—a solo shot measured at 388 feet—in the second inning and later added a double and a stolen base.
Luke Mistone and Kainen Jorge each contributed doubles during Murray State’s nine-hit effort. Connor Chisolm gave the Racers an eighth-inning lead with his second home run of the season. Tyler Butina then delivered a bases-clearing double down the right-field line to push Murray State’s advantage to five runs.
On the mound, Dylan Zentko provided stability for much of the middle innings. He entered early in relief and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings while striking out three batters and allowing five hits. Drew Deremer followed with three more innings, giving up one run before returning for part of the ninth inning.
Reese Oakley was charged with the loss after allowing three runs during UCF’s comeback rally. The bottom of the ninth began with three consecutive UCF batters reaching base against Deremer before Oakley entered from the bullpen. A combination of singles, wild pitches, and an error allowed UCF to tie and eventually win on a walk-off single.
After this setback, Murray State will return home to Kentucky for its next game against Kentucky State on Tuesday at McCracken County High School in Paducah. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.
“Despite a career performance from Anthony Perritano and holding a commanding lead late in the contest, the Murray State Racers saw a five-run advantage disappear in the final frame as UCF rallied for a 10-9 walk-off victory.”
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