MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Barry dropped a non-conference game to Georgia College, 8-3, Tuesday at Florida Tech.
Barry made a comeback bid late, but when the Bobcats (18-11) tacked on three runs in the ninth, it was too much for the Buccaneers to overcome in the neutral site game between the two South Region teams.
Barry (14-12) stranded eight runners in a game the Bucs pulled within two runs in the eighth, but couldn't overcome the Bobcats' last-inning surge.
Trailing 5-2 in the eighth, the Bucs scored in the eighth when Sheehan Planas walked, advanced on Luis Arrizueta's single through the left side, and later scored after a couple passed balls. That pulled Barry within two.
But the Bobcats scored three insurance runs in the ninth on a double, two walks and a sacrfice fly to put the game away.
The Buccaneers scored their first run in the second on Bryant Elliott's RBI single -- an answer to Georgia College's three runs in the top half of the inning.
Barry starter Corey Witkowski found his rhythm in the third as he began a run of three straight innings retiring Georgia College's hitters in succession. Witkowski, although saddled with the loss, retired 14 straight Bobcats over the middle innings to keep the Bucs within a run into the seventh.
But Barry couldn't deliver the run support Witkowski needed, and he left after giving up five hits, four runs and two walks while striking out three. Georgia College reliever Derek McGowan picked up the win after allowing one unearned run on two hits and three walks in four innings.
Zack Hula earned his third save after coming on in the eighth and working the final two innings.
Elliott went 1 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Michael Slabach was 1 for 3 with a stolen base. Arrizueta was 1 for 4. Planas was 1 for 3 with a stolen base. James Young was 1 for 4 for the Buccaneers, who host Nova Southeastern Friday and Saturday in a return to Sunshine State Conference play at Feinbloom Field in Miami Shores.
Tanner Funk was 2 for 4 with two RBI for the Bobcats. Bryce Williams went 2 for 3 and drove in two runs.
Alex Decker worked 1 2/3 innings in relief for Barry, allowing one run and two hits.