BRADENTON, Fla. – The Fire's big inning led to a game one win, but the offense couldn't score enough late. Southeastern University plated nine fourth-inning runs in a high-scoring 18-8 first game, but the five-run ninth was not enough in game two against New College of Florida in an 11-8 loss, as the two teams split Sunday's twinbill.
Leading 2-0 in the top of the third in game one, SEU kept the momentum going and plated nine runners for an 11-0 lead. New College answered with five runs in the home fourth, but the Fire outscored the Mighty Banyans in the final three innings, to take the win.
In the late game, the Banyans took the early lead, 4-0, and never gave up the advantage. Trailing 11-3 heading to the top of the ninth, SEU rallied for five runs, but the deficit was too much.
Both Jon Paul Pennella and Alfonso Villalobos recorded six hits apiece and almost half of the Fire's hits of the day. Pennella opened the day with an impressive 5-for-7 game with four runs, two doubles, and three RBI, while he added an RBI single and a stolen base late.
Villalobos lined three hits in each contest as he started 3-for-5 with a home run, two singles, a run, and five RBI. He added a pair of doubles and a single with a run in game two.
Peter Tassler was not far behind with a 5-for-10 day with four runs, one home run, and three RBI. Tyler Hinrikus contributed three hits with three runs, one home run, and three RBI.
Connor Hicks chipped in a double in each contest with three runs and two RBI. John Rossi had a double and a single with five runs scored and one runner driven in.
Bryce McDonald covered the opener's first six innings for the win. He gave up nine hits and five runs with four strikeouts. The win was closed out by a trio of Fire hurlers, with Johnny Pecora, Austin Pettycoart, and Hunter McCollum completed the final three innings in the win.
The second game was started by Agnel Miranda, wo lasted only a third of an inning. He was relieved by Hayden Givens-Craig, who pitched a solid three-plus innings, giving up two hits and a run. Olvis Genao and Andrew Hansen came in before Cole Jones and Logan LaPierrere finished the late contest with scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth.
With the split, SEU's record is now 28-6 (7-5 SUN) and in a three-way tie atop the conference standings. New College of Florida (13-18, 6-6 SUN) is only a game back in second place.
The Fire return to action this weekend when they host Florida Memorial in a four-game series starting on Thursday. First pitch is at 6 p.m.
