LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire recorded their second victory of less than three runs in late fashion on Thursday evening. Peter Tassler singled in the game-winning run in the home eighth and Cole Jones shut the door in the ninth as Southeastern University finished its sweep No. 24 University of British Columbia, 12-10, at Ted A. Broer Stadium tonight.
After scoring six runs in the top of the eighth, the Thunderbirds (1-6) came all the way back from a 10-2 deficit to deadlock the contest at 10. However, Jon Paul Pennella, Nick Streuer and Charlie Collins had three-straight hits to load the bases in the bottom of the eighth. Following a line out, Tessler blasted the ball up the middle and plated Pennella for the go-ahead run, before Myles White lofted a sac fly for a two-run lead. Jones came in and fanned the first two hitters he faced and enticed a fly to right field for his first save.
For the third game in a row, SEU (6-0) posted double-digit runs. The victory also completed the sweep of three contests against British Columbia in the past week.
With strong pitching leading the way in the first five games, the Fire offense was the headline in tonight's sixth win of the year, as they collected 14 hits. Alfonso Villalobos and Pennella both recorded 3-for-3 nights – Villalobos lined a solo homer, a double, two runs, and a RBI, while Pennella scored the game-winning run, one of his three runs scored.
Tassler drove in three Fire runners and added a run scored. Streuer and Collins both were 2-for-4 with two runs. Streuer had one RBI and Collins swiped a base.
Connor Hicks logged five RBI off a grand slam home run and a sac fly. White was 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI and a sac fly. Sean Kaelber drew a walk and scored.
On the mound, starter Chase Muir had five innings of quality work, allowing one earned run, four hits, two walks, while striking out five. Olvis Genao pitched the last third of the top of the eighth for the win before Jones came in and shut the door.
The Thunderbirds hit a pair of solo home runs as part of their six-run top of the eighth.
The FIre have the day off on Friday before returning to action on Saturday when they face the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) in a doubleheader. First pitch of the opener is scheduled for 2 p.m.
