SAINT LEO, Fla. — Florida Southern College baseball (22-17, 11-9) secured an 8–6 victory over Saint Leo University (22-19, 10-14) on Wednesday night at Thomas B. Southard Stadium. The Mocs tallied 14 hits and 8 RBIs, while limiting the Lions to 12 hits and 6 RBIs in the close contest.
Saint Leo took an early lead in the first inning when Thomas DeBrower scored on an RBI single by Abrahan Rios. The home team led 1–0 after the first inning.
Florida Southern responded in the third inning.
Ethan Burkhardt was hit by a pitch, and
Eli Thurmond doubled to advance him to third. Burkhardt scored on
Ryan Jenkins' groundout, and
Eric Harrison Jr.'s single brought Thurmond home. By the end of the inning, SLU led 4–2.
In the fifth inning, FSC cut the deficit. Jenkins singled, advanced to third on Harrison's flyout, and scored on
Carson Brady's sacrifice fly. The score was 4–3, with the Lions still leading.
The Moccasins surged ahead in the sixth inning.
Cory Filley singled and Jenkins followed with a single.
Mikey Scott's double brought two runs in, and Brady's single added another. Florida Southern took the lead, 6–4.
Saint Leo narrowed the gap in the seventh inning with two runs, but Florida Southern maintained its lead, 7–6.
In the eighth inning, the Mocs capitalized on a fielding error, allowing
TJ Eckert, who pinch ran for
Brock Budacki, to score on a single by Filley. The score was 8–6. Florida Southern then held SLU scoreless in the ninth inning to secure the victory.
Scott led the offensive charge with three hits and three RBIs, including a double and a stolen base. Jenkins contributed with two hits and scored two runs, showcasing his presence on the bases. Filley also impressed by collecting three hits and driving in one run. Brady added to the tally with a sacrifice fly, recording two RBIs to support the team's effort.
Jayce Rollins started on the mound, later relieved by
Heath Clevenger.
Casey O'Dell provided a strong appearance, pitching 1 1/3 innings with one strikeout and allowing just one hit.
Christian Carew contributed two innings with one strikeout, before
Colby Rice and
Aidan Kelley closed out the game. Rice pitched two innings with one strikeout and Kelley secured the save with one inning pitched and two strikeouts.
The next challenge for Florida Southern comes at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24, when it hosts Lynn University at Henley Field in Lakeland, Florida.
