DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Florida A&M was able to close out a narrow 7-5 decision on Sunday, May 6 at the Durham Athletic Park.
 
Prior to the game, NCCU (27-23, 11-13 MEAC) honored 14 seniors who have helped the Eagles push to a single season win record during the 2018 campaign.
 
The first three frames were action packed as NCCU and FAMU (23-25, 14-6 MEAC) combined for 10 runs, leaving the third frame with the score level at 5-5.
 
John Capra (Melbourne, Fla.) started the scoring for the Rattlers with a three-run homer in the top of the second frame, before the Eagles got a two-RBI single from Timmy Fischvogt (Kernersville, N.C.) in the bottom of the inning.
 
FAMU regained a three-run advantage in the top of the third with help from another hit from Capra, who finished the game with five RBI.  NCCU found the key to knot the game at five in the bottom of the third, starting with a two-RBI double from Zach Michalski (Belews Creek, N.C.) who picked up his 51st RBI of the year to become the first Eagle to drive in over 50 RBI in a season.
 
The game remained level through the middle innings and a rain delay before FAMU pulled ahead in the top of the seventh, 6-5 on an error.  The Rattlers added an insurance run in the top of the ninth to take a 7-5 advantage to the bottom of the inning.  Carter Williams (Brown Summit, N.C.) knocked a double to bring the tying run to the plate, but Dylan Carlson (Tallahassee, Fla.) was able to bring the game to its conclusion with his eighth save of the season.
 
Of note, during the game Corey Joyce (Lexington, N.C.) knocked his 15th double of the year to set a new single season record at NCCU.
 
The Eagles will finish the season with a pair of midweek games at the Durham Athletic Park, starting on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. against Davidson.  Admission is free.