Split Doubleheader Leads to Series Win for #6 Mocs Over the Lions

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The No. 6 Florida Southern College baseball team splits its doubleheader for a series win against Saint Leo University on Saturday afternoon at Thomas B. Southard Stadium.
 
The Moccasins (27-8, 11-34 SSC) won game one of the day, outlasting SLU in the final inning for a 10-9 win to seal a series win. The Lions (14-21, 6-12 SSC) controlled most of game two with a 7-2 win to prevent a series sweep.
 
GAME 1: FLORIDA SOUTHERN 10, SAINT LEO 9
Seven combined runs in the first inning between these two teams, starting with four runs by FSC in the top half. Noah Rabin had a two-RBI double, followed by a two-RBI single by Rohsean Riley for the runs scored. The Lions responded with a three-run homer for the 4-3 ballgame. SLU tied the game in the third after a sacrifice hit, 4-4. The Mocs took the lead with a two-RBI double by Mikey Scott in the fourth and a sac fly by Jevin Relaford in the sixth for a 7-4 lead.
 
However, the Lions again tied the game in the sixth with a bases-loaded HBP and two-RBI single, 7-7. Neither team scored in the seventh or eighth with both teams at seven runs into the final frame. Mocs had three runs to take the lead, led by a Jack Duffy sac fly, followed by a two-RBI double by Ahmad Fitts. SLU staged a comeback to tie or walk-off, though the Lions were stopped at two runs scored as FSC held on for a 10-9 win, securing a series win. Casey O'Dell was credited with the win, and Robert Tracy III got the save.
 
GAME 2: FLORIDA SOUTHERN 2, SAINT LEO 7
With a scoreless first inning, the Lions were first to strike with two runs in the second off a homer by Carillo. The Mocs did not score until the sixth inning, which was an RBI groundout by BJ Rivera for a 2-1 SLU advantage. FSC then had a tough seventh inning on defense, loading the bases and giving up five runs for a six-run deficit. Grant Thoroman scored off a wild pitch in the eighth inning, but that was the last run scored in a disappointing 7-2 loss by the Mocs, just outside completing the series sweep. As a team, the Mocs left nine on base, struggling in the reliving pitching. Logan Adams had the start, going six innings with six hits allowed and two runs, neither earned, with two strikeouts. Tanner Rollyson gave up the five runs scored in the seventh inning, later relieved by Austen Kessler and Wyatt Clark, who only gave up one hit and no runs. Mecchella for SLU was credited with the win.
 
The Mocs will return to Lakeland to host Palm Beach Atlantic University next weekend, April 11-12, beginning with Friday night's game at 6 p.m. at Henley Field.
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