LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire continue to roll. Southeastern University improved their record to 16-0 in completing a four-game series sweep over Embry-Riddle University (Ariz.), 15-4 and 5-2, today at Ted A. Broer Stadium.
The Fire wasted no time in game one with a trio of crooked innings totaling 13 runs in the first three at bats. Nick Streuer doubled home one of the three runs in the first and added a two-run third-inning single with Peter Tassler driving in two on a single, as the Fire scored five runs on both the second and third innings.
In game two, Embry-Riddle edged ahead for the first time with a pair of RBI doubles and 2-0 lead in the first. Jon Pennella bunted home the second run of the second to tie the contest, 2-2. Charlie Collins singled home what would be the game-winning run in the home fourth, before John Rossi laced a two-run single to left for the final two runs in the fifth in a 5-2 final.
For the second time in three years, SEU has now opened at least 16-0 as it finished its February part of the schedule in impressive fashion. Embry-Riddle is now 2-11.
The SEU pitchers held the Eagles to only nine hits over 14 innings of work. In game one, Chase Muir covered the first four innings giving up only two hits and an earned run with eight strikeouts for his second victory. Tyler Zylstra, Anthony Ortiz and Austin Peddycoart combined to allow only one earned run in the final three innings in relief.
In game two. Angel Miranda won his third decision with four innings of work, striking out four. Bryce McDonald added three strikeouts of his own over his work in the fifth and sixth, giving up no runs on no hits. Cole Jones saved his fourth game with a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.
Collins carried the hottest SEU stick by going 7-for-9 with three runs, a double, and an RBI. Tassler was 3-for-3 in the first contest and finished 4-for-6 with three runs and four RBI.
Pennella continued his consistent hitting by going 3-for-7 from the lead-off spot with three runs and three RBI. Rossi added three singles, two of the bunt variety, with a run and two RBI.
Alfonso Villalobos doubled and singled with two runs and an RBI. Streuer added a double and a single and drove in three, scoring three times. Brock McMullen added a 2-for-3 line in the second game while adding an RBI.
The Fire return to action when they host Dordt University (Iowa) in a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 4. First pitch will be at 3 p.m.
