LAKELAND, Fla. – The early-season roll continues. Southeastern University scored multiple runs iin eight different at-bats in a 11-1 and 20-9 sweep of the University of Saint Francis.
Aaron Robertson held the Cougars in check on the mound and a Fire four-run third frame was enough run support. Charlie Collins led the 11-run SEU offensive effort with both a two-run single in the third and a two-run homer in the fourth.
In game two, St. Francis led early, 2-0, and then put seven runs on the board in the top of the fifth to tie the game at nine. Alfonso Villalobos quickly grabbed the lead back with a lead-off home run in the home fifth as SEU added 10 more runs in final two at bats, with the final blow being a Tyler Hinrikus three-run homer in the seventh.
SEU (8-0) has now put double-figures in runs on the scoreboard in five straight games with their 31 runs in 14 innings today. The Fire also improved to 3-0 against the Cougars (1-3) with the first meeting taking place a decade ago in 2015.
Robertson was the top SEU hurler with the opening game victory. He gave up only two hits, no earned runs and two walks, striking out 10 over 6.2 innings of work. Austin Peddycoart came in and recorded the final out on a strikeout.
Micah Earwood pitched two scoreless innings to end game two. He did not give up a hit, walked one, and had five strikeouts.
The Fire offense totaled 30 hits on the day. Villalobos, Collins, Connor Hicks and Jon Paul Pennella combined for 19 of those hits in 29 at bats. Villalobos posted a 6-for-9 day with six runs, a solo homer, two-run double, and five RBI. Collins equaled Villalobos, going 6-for-8 with a double, two home runs, four runs, and eight RBI.
Hicks finished 3-for-5 with three runs, a double, two-run home run, and four RBI. Pennella went 4-for-7 with two runs and three RBI. Jacob Gumieny doubled and singled with three RBI and Brock McMullen singled twice with two RBI in the second game. Hinrikus homered and singled as well.
The Fire get some time off and will return to action NCAA DII Embry-Riddle University on Friday afternoon, February 21 in a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
