Box Score T.J. Kuban's three-run homer highlighted a five-run fifth inning for the Moccasins and that was more than enough to give them an 8-2 win over Warner Tuesday night at Henley Field.
The win was the fourth straight for the 23rd-ranked Moccasins, improving their record to 6-2. The Royals fell to 3-7.
Herb Sickler's two-run homer in the first gave Warner an early lead, but the Royals didn't get a runner past second base the rest of the game.
Cory Jensen drove in the Moccasins' first run in the fifth with an infield single, then Kuban followed with his shot over the left field wall, his second home run of the season.
Austin Chubb singled home the final run of the inning.
The Moccasins tacked on three more runs in the seventh. J.J. Downum, who was on base all four times, drew a bases-loaded walk and Kyle Gibbs singled past the second baseman to drive in two runs.
Freshman Austin Barnett made his first collegiate start and worked the first three innings. Anthony Dovale, the first of four relief pitchers, tossed two scoreless innings and picked up his first collegiate win. The four Moccasin relief pitchers Dovale, Nick Krolczyk, Jack Sterritt and Nate Carter, gave up just two hits and no runs over six innings, striking out six and walking one.
Corey Topa, the second of five Warner pitchers, took the loss.
The Moccasins take on defending national champion West Florida in a three-game weekend series at Henley Field. Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., as is Sunday's single game.
