The #7 nationally ranked Florida Southwestern State Buccaneers (33-9, 18-7) came in hot to Ocala having won seven straight games and the #18 ranked Patriots of the College of Central Florida (30-12, 15-10) couldn't cool them off as the Bucs secured an 11-5 win over the Pats. FSW built up a 10-0 lead in the third inning with most of the damage coming off the bat of FSW catcher, Nik Pereira who belted his 9th home run of the season and ended up with four RBI. Ty Hamilton added four RBI with a triple and his second home run.

The Patriots scored just enough to avoid being run-ruled, but didn't have the firepower on Thursday to overcome the big lead the Bucs had early. Dawson Harman hit his state leading 18th home run of the season for the Pats and Victor Martinez added two hits and two RBI. Tanner Swank had two hits and Logan Chapman hit his first triple of the season. Pats' starter, Kohl Kilcrease was the victim of the hot Buc bats surrendering nine runs and nine hits in his 2.1 innings pitched. Cooper Ryan (3.2 IP, 5H, 2R, 4K), Karson Lindsey (1.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 1K), and Jose Paniagua (2.0 IP, H, 0R, K) were able to keep FSW mostly in check over the last 6.2 innings.

Central Florida will travel to Ft. Myers on Saturday to conclude the Citrus Conference series against FSW with games at 1:00 and 4:00 PM.

The Citrus Conference Standings after 25 games (top 5 teams get automatic bid to state regional playoffs)

Indian River State College           19-6
Florida Southwestern State College 18-7
College of Central Florida            15-10
SCF-Manatee                         15-10
Miami-Dade College                  13-12
Eastern Florida State College        12-13
Polk State College                    12-13
Seminole State College              11-14
Santa Fe College                     11-14
Daytona State College               10-15
Hillsborough CC                      9-16
St. Petersburg College               5-20