BRADENTON, Fla. - The New College of Florida men's baseball team started their 2024 campaign on a high note, defeating IMG academy in the teams first action of the new year. 

The Banyan's 8-7 victory over IMG academy is the first win in program history, and capped off a historic night at beautiful LeCom Park. 

The evening began with New College president Richard Corcoran throwing a ceremonial first pitch strike, setting the tone for an eventful evening of baseball. New College history made history early in the second inning when sophomore catcher Matthew Merk stepped up to the plate. With a runner in scoring position, Merk connected on a fastball down the heart of the plate, driving the ball past the infield. The Banyan base runner tore around the bases, crossing home plate for the first run of the evening. 

The New College pitching staff delivered a standout performance through the first seven innings of action. The Banyan's pitchers allowed just two earned runs through seven, giving up 4 hits and giving the Banyan offense the opportunity to feed on that momentum. The offense did just that, scoring another run in the third inning before rallying off 5 runs in the fifth. The Banyan's held strong through the 7th, entering the 8th inning of action with a 8-2 lead. 

IMG Academy got the bats rolling in the top of the eighth. The Crusaders racked off 5 big hits in the period. Their offense tore up the base path, scoring 5 runs to eliminate the Banyan lead. With the score now 8-7, New College called on junior pitcher Jacob Platko to complete the save. 

Platko executed his role perfectly. Entering the game with one out, Platko  diced up the crusaders lineup, getting the final two outs of the eighth, keeping the Banyan's in-front as they entered the ninth inning. Platko maintained his composure on the mound, keeping the crusaders on their heels. With one out remaining, Platko executed one last pitch, helping the Banyan's capture their first win in dramatic fashion. 

Jacob Platko stood out for New College, recording his first save of the season. 

Jesus Fortis led the offense, going 2-4 with one run and an RBI. 

Landen Morrison and Fernando Rivera-Calderon both recorded a hit and one run scored. 

JT Leanos went 1-1 with 2 BB and an RBI.

The Banyan's are back in action on Saturday, Feb 3, for an afternoon double-header against Oklahoma Wesleyan at IMG Academy.