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TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2015)— The USF baseball team fell behind early and couldn't catch up to FGCU as the Bulls dropped their second straight midweek game, 6-2.

The loss drops the Bulls to 4-3-1 on the season, while FGCU improves to 4-4-1. RHP Ryan Valdes took the loss in his first start, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits in three innings of work.  RHP Sterling Koerner earned the win, giving up just two hits in five innings of work.

FGCU took advantage of an error with one out to put two runners in scoring position. Back-to-back RBI singles gave the Eagles the 2-0 lead, before Valdes recorded a strikeout to end the inning.

The Bulls responded in the bottom of the inning as Luke Maglich hit an RBI single to drive home Levi Borders. Borders, who reached on a double, has now safely reached base in four consecutive games this season and has a four game hitting streak. Maglich has now extended his hit streak and on base streak to seven games.

After two scoreless innings from both sides, FGCU plated another run. Jake Noll reached on an error before being brought home on an RBI single by Tyler Selesky.

USF fought back once again in the bottom of the fifth. Kevin Merrell reached on a fielder's choice, before stealing second. Kyle Teaf beat out a throw to first to plate Merrell and get within one of FGCU.

The Eagles tacked on another two in the eighth, plating one on an RBI single and another on a passed ball. In the ninth, Nick Rivera hit a solo home run to put the game out of reach for the Bulls.

The Bulls return to the field to finish their homestand with a three-game series against High Point, Feb. 27- March 1. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is slated for 6:30 p.m., while Sunday's finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. 

For more information on the USF baseball team, follow @USFBaseball on Twitter.