LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire's ten day layoff didn't affect their offense at all on Tuesday. Southeastern University scored in all 12 at bats and exploded for 36 runs in a doubleheader sweep over Dordt University (Iowa), 27-6 and 9-6, in baseball action today.
Already leading 12-4 after top of the fourth, SEU doubled its total with 12 more runs off seven hits. The inning was headlined by Charlie Collins' three-run homer and Connor Hicks bases-clearing double completing the fireworks. Alfonso Villalobos crushed a pair of round-trippers, one two-run and a three-run variety, as part of a six-RBI 4-for-5 effort.
In game two, both Nick Streuer and Hicks cracked two-run home runs, one in the third and one in the fourth, and helped the Fire (18-0) build a 7-1 advantage. Dordt pulled to within two runs in the sixth, but Cole Jones slammed the door shut for his fifth save with a one-two-three seventh with two strikeouts.
The Fire posted multiple runs in eight innings and three or more in four trips to the plate. SEU has now scored double-digit runs ten times and twice it has surpassed 20.
Lead-off hitter Jon Paul Pennella tormented the Defenders all day, as he went a combined 8-for-9 with seven runs, a double, four RBI, and a pair of stolen bases. Hicks added a 4-for-7 effort with a pair of doubles, a two-run home run, and six RBI. Collins produced a three-run homer and two singles with four RBI.
Peter Tassler contributed a home run, three runs, and three RBI. Nick Streuer had a pair of two-hit games with six runs, a double, and a homer.
James Strom singled three times and Myles White tripled. Off the opener bench, Derek Henry singled and scored off David Castillo's two-run homer.
Agnel Miranda picked up the win in game one by covering the first two innings, where he gave up one hit and fanned five. Both Austin Peddycoart (.2 IP) and Hunter McCollum (1 IP) did not give up a run on the mound.
Bryce McDonald went to 3-0 by posting two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in game two. Alex Johnson (1 IP), Tyler Zylstra (.1 IP) and Anthony Ortiz (.1 IP) did not give up a run in tehir appearances.
SEU will take off Wednesday before they face another ranked opponent, No. 20 Concordia University (Neb.), in a four-game set. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday at Ted A. Broer Stadium.
