Orlando, Fl. -  The Orlando Snappers are just 1 win away from winning it all in this 2025 FCSL season after taking game 1 of the championship series against the Sanford River Rats by a final score of 8-3.

Dominick Venta (Cattonsville) was absolutely unconscious for Orlando on the mound. The starter threw over 6 innings, while surrendering just 5 hits and 2 runs to the best offensive team in the Florida League.

The Snappers rallied behind Venta’s outstanding outing and gave him an early lead to work with.

In the second inning, it was Austin Pierzynski (UAB) delivering an RBI single to put his team up 1-0.

In the fourth, Orlando struck again, this time on a solo shot off the bat of Hudson Walburn (West Alabama).

Orlando added some insurance runs to their 2-0 lead by putting up a 3 spot in the sixth inning to make it a 5-0 nothing game.

Hutson Guinn brought home the first run of that fifth inning scoring Hayden Gustavson (LA Tech) on the RBI single to right.

A couple batters later, Austin Pierzynski got his second RBI of the game after drawing the bases loaded walk.

The final run of the inning came on a fielder’s choice as the Rats tried turning a double play but failed to do so giving Orlando a 5 run cushion.

Sanford’s offense, however, came to life in the bottom of the inning as they scored their first two runs of the ballgame and gave their home fans something to cheer about.

In the seventh inning, it was Orlando striking again as Mario Trivella (FIU) singled to left to bring home Matt Farner (Undecided) and advance Grant Comeaux (Undecided) to third with just one out.

Orlando’s battery struck once more as Pierzynski drove in his third run of the night this time on the sacrifice fly to make it a 7-3 Snappers lead.

Despite the Rats scratching home a run in the bottom of the eight inning, it was Orlando coming on top, 8-3, taking game 1 on the road and placing themselves just 1 game shy of being crowned champions.

They will look to accomplish that feat in their home soil, on Sunday, June 27. First pitch is set for 7:00pm from The First Academy in Orlando, Fl.

#SnappsUp

Esteban Velez (University of Missouri