LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire bats were rested and ready in Thursday evening's Sun Conference series opener. Southeastern University scored a dozen runs in the first three innings and Agnel Miranda was untouchable over five innings of work in an 18-4 win against Florida Memorial University.
SEU powered ahead off an Alfonso Villalobos three-run homer and Peter Tassler's solo shot two batters later for a 4-0 lead after one. The Fire quickly put down the Lions and went back to work offensively. Villalobos and James Strom lined run-scoring singles and Nick Streuer connected for a two-run single ending a six-run second, 10-0. Connor Hicks added two more runs in the third on a double down the right field line before Miranda allowed a single hit and fanned nine in the final five innings.
Hicks doubled twice and singled in another at bat with five RBI leading the home offense. Villalobos singled and belted the first inning homer, breaking open the scoring in the first with two runs and four RBI.
Jon Paul Pennella doubled with two runs and a stolen base, while Tassler added his solo homer. Tyler Hinrikus added his own solo homer, scoring twice and stealing a base.
John Rossi scored three runs, singled, and swiped a base. Charlie Collins also scored three times, singled, drove in one, and drew a pair of walks. Jacob Gumiceny, Strom, and Streuer chipped in RBI singles, while Myles White completed the offense with a single.
Miranda posted his fourth win in as many decisions over his five innings of work.
The Fire (29-6) has now started each of their four Sun Conference series with a win as they improved to 8-5 in the league. Florida Memorial dropped to 14-17 and 5-8 in the conference.
SEU and Florida Memorial return to the diamond tomorrow for the middle two games of the series. The first game starts at 2 p.m.
