Rutledge hits walkoff home run in 11th inning

Eastern Florida State College sophomore Collier Rutledge broke out in a big way Wednesday night, hitting two home runs including the walkoff in extra innings.

The second home run was a three-run blast to left field that gave the Titans a 7-4 victory in 11 innings against Miami-Dade in the Southern Conference season opener.

Down 3-0 early, Rutledge hit his first home run, a two-run shot to get the Titans on the board. Dilan Espinal would tie the game with an RBI single later in the inning.

It would stay 3-3 until the eighth inning when both teams scored a run to make it 4-4.

The Titans bullpen was once again up to the task, allowing one run in five innings. Starting pitcher Carter Stewart allowed two earned runs on two hits in six innings, striking out six. Borris Villa came in and struck out four in two innings, allowing the one run in the eighth.

Andres Rodriguez came into the game in the ninth inning and pitched three strong innings, allowing one hit and striking out four to pick up his first win of the season.

Rutledge went 3-for-5 with the two home runs and drove in five runs while JD Stubbs, Kevin Silva and Espinal each had two hits.

The Titans, who are now 7-8 overall and 1-0 in the conference, will travel to Miami-Dade for games on Friday and Saturday. Connor Brian is expected to start Friday's game for the Titans.