TALLAHASSEE, FL --The Florida A&M Rattlers fell 8-5 to the Mercer Bears Tuesday.

Freshman Blake Pacheco (0-2) took the loss on the mound for Florida A&M (17-16). Freshman Brent Sims was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out two.

Offensively, the Rattlers were led by senior Colton Ryals, who went 3-for-3 on the day with a double and an RBI. Freshman Justin Lopez put together a standout performance as well, going 2-for-2 with a double. Junior Jordan Brown also contributed for Florida A&M, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 4-0, the Rattlers first put runs on the board in the fourth inning. Florida A&M's offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a one-run single off the bat of Brown.

The Bears then scored four runs to retake their advantage heading into the ninth inning, when the Rattlers responded by getting back on the scoreboard themselves. Ryals came across to score the lone run of the inning for Florida A&M, which tightened the Bears lead to 8-5. The Rattlers were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES
» Ryals led the Rattlers, picking up three base knocks in the ballgame.
» Every Rattlers starter reached base safely in the loss.
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Rattlers out-hit the Bears at a 10-9 clip.
» Florida A&M went 4-for-12 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers limited Mercer to just 3-for-17 (.176) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 53 Mercer hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Rattlers drew six walks from Mercer pitching.
» Ryals led the Rattlers at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
» Mercer was led offensively by junior D. Johnson, who went 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI.