The University of North Florida (28-13) won two-of-three to take the series against cross-town rivals Jacksonville University Dolphins (18-19) during this weekend’s River City Rumble at Harmon Stadium April 17-19. The Ospreys now sit at No. 1 in the Atlantic Sun Conference with an 8-4 record.
In the first game on Friday, the Ospreys were unable to overcome the Dolphins despite an eighth inning 2-run comeback. The Dolphins would go on to win 3-2.
In the second game Saturday, the Ospreys sought revenge with a 16-7 victory over the Dolphins. With this victory, Head Coach Smoke Laval won his 600th career game. The Ospreys had six runs in the second inning and eight in the third inning.
In the final game on Sunday, the Ospreys did not let up, posting a 17-7 win to seal the series for North Florida. UNF’s Keith Skinner, junior catcher, had phenomenal game, most notable setting a new single-game record with nine RBIs. Skinner went 4-for-4 at the plate, had a grand slam, a three-run home run and scored three runs all in the same day. Health science sophomore Donnie Dewees, outfielder, also had a standout performance going 4-for-4 in the box and contributing five runs on the night to set his own record for most runs in a single game.
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper recognized Skinner on Monday as one of eight Louisville Slugger National Players of the Week award winners for his outstanding gameplay this weekend. This Arizona based publication claims to be the “voice of amateur baseball since 1958.”
Dewees, who is currently leading all Division I schools in the nation in runs and sits at number two for hits, was also recognized for his performance this weekend. The redshirt sophomore picked up his third Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week award. He is the first fielder at UNF to win three weekly honors in one season.
Next on the schedule is a trip to Orlando, Fla. to take on No. 15 University of Central Florida Knights on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m.
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*4/23/2015 at 11:48 a.m. – Updated with video
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