MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Southeastern University had the late-game magic going again on Thursday night, rallying with three runs in both the eighth and ninth innings to take the Sun Conference series opener from St. Thomas University, 12-9.
The Fire started quickly, scoring three in the top of the first thanks to a single from Jon Paul Pennella, a hit-by-pitch to Charlie Collins, a St. Thomas error, and an RBI single from Peter Tassler. Tassler added another RBI in the third for a 4-0 lead, and John Rossi's two-run single in the fifth extended it to 6-0.
However, the Bobcats responded, scoring three in the fifth, four in the sixth, and two more in the seventh to stretch the margin to 9-6—before SEU's late surge flipped the game back in the Fire's favor.
Trailing 9-6 entering the eighth, Collins sparked the comeback with a one-out RBI triple. Connor Hicks tied the game after scoring on an outfield error, then came around to score himself on a double by Alfonso Villalobos.
Hicks came through again in the ninth, breaking the 9-9 tie with an RBI single. A bizarre botched pick off play at second base brought home another run, and for the second straight weekend, David Castillo delivered a clutch pinch-hit RBI single to give the Fire a 12-9 lead.
Grant Harvill opened the game with three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits with a strikeout. Anthony Ortiz pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief to pick up the win. Cole Jones closed the door in the bottom of the ninth to earn his ninth save of the season.
At the plate, Southeastern outhit St. Thomas 13-11. Pennella and Tassler combined for six hits—three apiece. Pennella also scored three times, while Tassler crossed the plate once and drove in two runs.
James Strom recorded two singles, two runs, an RBI, and a stolen base. Collins added a triple, three runs, and an RBI. Villalobos doubled with a run and an RBI, while Hicks and Castillo added crucial run-scoring hits. Rossi singled, drove in two, and swiped a base.
With the victory, SEU (37-10, 16-9 SUN) has now won five of six Sun Conference series openers this season. The Bobcats drop to 26-21 (12-13 SUN) with the loss.
The two teams return to the diamond for games three and four of the series on Friday afternoon in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 3 p.m.
