LAKELAND, Fla. — The Fire took another step toward a return to the Avista NAIA World Series on Wednesday, riding a seven-run third inning and a strong start from Aaron Robertson to an 8-5 victory over Arizona Christian in the second day of the NAIA Baseball Opening Round.
Southeastern University broke through after two scoreless innings, erupting for seven runs in the third. Tyler Hinrikus got the inning started with a single, and Alfonso Villalobos drew a bases-loaded walk to break the scoreless tie. James Strom followed with a two-run single, then David Castillo and Hinrikus—batting for the second time in the inning—each delivered two-run doubles to make it 7-0.
That offensive surge was more than enough for Robertson, who turned in another dependable postseason performance. The righthander scattered eight hits and four earned runs over eight innings, striking out seven to improve to 10-2 on the year.
Cole Jones picked up his 11th save of the season, striking out one in retiring the side in the ninth.
Both teams collected nine hits. Southeastern's came primarily from the top of the order, with Hinrikus, Connor Hicks, Villalobos, and Strom each notching two hits. Hinrikus and Hicks both had a single and a double, combining for three RBI. Villalobos and Strom contributed two singles each, with three combined RBI and two runs scored. Castillo added a two-run double.
Charlie Collins crossed the plate twice, while Jon Paul Pennella, Nick Streuer, and Jacob Gumieny each added a run. Pennella also swiped a base.
Arizona Christian broke through with a run in the bottom of the third and rallied for four runs in the eighth, including a three-run home run, to trim the Fire's lead to 8-5. But Jones shut the door in the ninth to preserve the win.
SEU returns to the Opening Round Championship Game and will take the field at Ted A. Broer Stadium tomorrow at 11 a.m. against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The Fire will enter Thursday's final needing just one win to advance to its seventh consecutive World Series.
