The Florence-Darlington Technical College baseball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division I JUCO World Series — and they earned it in dramatic fashion.
In a high-stakes Game 3 of the East District Championship on Tuesday at the College of Charleston, the Stingers staged a stunning ninth-inning comeback to edge out Harford Community College 7–6 and punch their ticket to Grand Junction, Colorado, for the national tournament set for May 24–31 at Sam Suplizio Field.
Down by one entering the top of the ninth, Florence-Darlington erupted for three runs to flip the script. Tanner Beckley delivered the game's signature moment: a clutch two-run homer that vaulted the Stingers into the lead. Moments later, an insurance run gave them a 7–5 advantage heading into the bottom of the frame — a run that proved crucial.
Harford clawed one back in their final at-bat, but reliever Mike Joyce held firm, striking out the final batter to seal the win and set off celebrations in the Stingers' dugout.
Florence-Darlington's offense struck early as well, putting up four runs in the third inning. Devin Mitchell sparked the rally with a two-run double and finished the day 1-for-4 with two RBIs. The Stingers made their six hits count, taking advantage of six Harford errors to keep pressure on throughout the game.
On the mound, Bryce Coulter started the game, allowing four runs over 2 1/3 innings. Jackson Mullen kept things close in middle relief, surrendering just one run over three innings. Jackson Burton earned the win with 2 2/3 shutout innings, while Joyce secured the save despite allowing a run in the ninth.
Despite being outhit 11–6, Florence-Darlington's timely hitting, opportunistic baserunning, and gritty pitching performance proved enough to clinch the East District title and send the Stingers back to the JUCO World Series stage.
FDTC Top Performers
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Devin Mitchell
- 1 double
- 2 RBIs
Tanner Beckley
- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
Jackson Burton
- 2 2/3 innings pitched, 0 hits, 0 runs
- Recorded the win (W, 1-0)
Mike Joyce
- 1 inning pitched, 2 strikeouts
- Recorded the save (Sv, 1)
