BRADENTON, Fla. - New College Baseball fell short in their doubleheader vs Atlantis University Saturday evening. 

The Mighty Banyans got off to a slow start in game one. Anthony Barrios got the start on the mound and struggled in the opening frame. Barrios gave up three runs in the inning, allowing Atlantis to jump out to an early advantage. The Banyans scored a run of their own in the bottom of the side on a Matthew Merk single, bringing New College back within two. 

The Banyans still trailed the Atlantians 3-1 heading into the sixth inning. Atlantis added 2 additional runs in the sixth before driving in another 4 runs in the seventh to extend their lead to 8. 

The New College bats did not respond in game one, with the Mighty Banyans falling 9-1. 

Matthew Merk collected a hit and drove in an RBI. 

Brennan Peterson scored the Banyans only run, while also going 1 for 3 from the plate. 

The Banyans were much better on the offensive end in game two. 

Brennan Peterson drove in the first New College run in the third inning. Peterson roped a single through the infield, scoring Gabriel Rangel from third base. 

The Banyan offense continued to roll in the fifth inning. Brennan Peterson drove in his second RBI of the game with a triple to deep center field, setting up the middle of the Banyan lineup with a runner in scoring position. Atlantis elected to intentionally walk John McIntosh to bring up Matthew Merk with 2 runners on. Merk delivered, smoking a fastball deep over the left field fence for an electric three-run home run. Peterson continued the run in the sixth, scoring Avery Bishop on another single to the outfield. 

Unfortunately, New College could not maintain their lead. The Atlantis offense got hot in the seventh inning, scoring 6 runs to force the game into extra innings. Atlantis completed the comeback in the ninth inning. Atlantis drove in another two runs in the ninth, pulling away to a 9-7 victory. 

Brennan Peterson was incredible for New College in game two, collecting 3 hits in 5 plate appearances with a triple and 3 RBI. 

Matthew Merk was excellent behind the dish and at the plate, going 2 for 4 at the dish with a home run and 4 RBI. 

Gabriel Rangel and Avery Bishop recorded 2 hits and a run scored. 

The Banyans hope to capitalize on another opportunity vs Atlantis on Sun, April 14 in a midday game at IMG Academy.