FORT MYERS, Fla.- In its final game before getting into BIG EAST Conference play, an early deficit proved to be to much for the University of South Florida baseball team to overcome as the Bulls dropped a 9-4 decision to Florida Gulf Coast Tuesday Evening at Swanson Stadium in Fort Myers.

Sophomore Jimmy Falla collected three of the Bulls' eight hits on the night. Falla continues to be one of the Bulls' hottest bats at the plate having hit safely in five of his last six games and is now 10 for his last 18 at the plate.

Florida Gulf Coast would jump out to a 6-0 lead after scoring one in the first, two in the third and then three in the fifth.

The Eagle's chased Bulls' starter Kyle Eastham after 4.0 innings of work. FGCU tagged Eastham for six runs on five hits in his shortest outing in four starts this season. He struck out four while walking two and hitting a batter.

Eastham fell victim to the extra base hit as four of the five Eagle's hits went for extra bases including a pair of two-run homers and an RBI triple.

The Bulls would answer cut into the Eagle lead in their portion of the fifth. Falla kept his hot hand at the plate going with a double to lead off the inning. Falla moved over to third on a groundout by James Ramsay and after a walk to Andrew Longley, sophomore Luis Llerena would drive in Falla to get the Bulls on the board.

The next batter, Jonathan Koscso singled to left center to load the bases loaded and the Bulls closed the gap to 6-3 on an RBI fielder's choice by Alex Mendez. A second run came around to score on the play as the relay from second skipped away from the covering pitcher on the double play attempt.

FGCU added two in the sixth and one in the seventh to extend their advantage to 9-3.

In the Bulls eighth, USF loaded the bases and with one out threatening to climb back into the game but  the Bulls could only manage a James Ramsay sacrifice fly to inch closer, cutting the deficit to 9-4

USF picked up an unearned run in the ninth for their fifth and final run of the game.

Despite numerous opportunities, the Bulls could never quite capitalize on five Florida Gulf Coast errors in the field as they left nine runners on base in the game.

USF will look to get back on track as they begin BIG EAST Conference play as they welcome West Virginia to the USF Baseball Stadium for a three game set.

First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the USF Baseball Stadium. The Bulls and the Mountaineers will clash again at 7 p.m. on Saturday and then end the series with a 1 p.m. start on Sunday.

Fans can purchase tickets for baseball at the USF ticket office or can buy in advance by calling 1-800-GoBulls between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST) Monday-Friday. Tickets can also be purchased online through the USF Ticket Zone on GoUSFBulls.com.

Game Notes
Tonight's game was played in 2:53… The three hit game for Falla is the second of the season for the sophomore…  LHP Janick Serralonga made his USF pitching debut throwing the 7th inning…
On the night, the Bulls used five pitchers in relief… USF threw two runners out at the plate…