LAKELAND, Fla. — Third-ranked Southeastern Baseball delivered a complete and commanding performance on Friday at Ted A. Broer Stadium, sweeping a doubleheader against Montreat with a pair of decisive victories. The Fire opened the day with a 15–3 win in a scheduled seven-inning contest before closing the afternoon with a 15–2 run-rule victory in Game 2, improving to 3–0 to open the 2026 season.
Southeastern set the tone early in the opener, breaking open a scoreless game with a decisive seven-run second inning.
Isaiah Baez jump-started the rally with a double, and after a walk and an error loaded the bases, the Fire immediately applied pressure.
Victor Esquivel Perez delivered a two-run double down the right-field line to open the scoring, and
Cort Pryor followed with a productive RBI groundout to keep the inning moving.
Paul Wittmann capped the frame in emphatic fashion, launching a two-run home run to right field to give Southeastern a 7–0 advantage. The blast marked Wittmann's second home run of the season.
The Fire continued to add separation in the fourth inning. Perez and Pryor both reached base to start the frame before
Charlie Collins ripped a two-run double to left field.
Braden Bartholomae followed with a productive groundout to plate another run, extending the lead to 10–0 midway through the contest.
On the mound in Game 1,
Byler Reither delivered a strong opening performance in his first start of the season. The right-hander worked 5.2 innings, scattering eight hits while striking out seven to earn the win. Reither limited Montreat's opportunities through the first five innings, allowing Southeastern's offense to operate comfortably from in front.
Southeastern put the game firmly out of reach in the fifth inning with a four-run frame. Pryor delivered a two-run single to right field, while Wittmann and Bartholomae each added run-scoring contributions as the Fire stretched the advantage to 14–0.
Montreat broke through in the sixth inning with a three-run rally, but Southeastern's bullpen responded quickly.
Austin Peddycoart recorded an out before handing the ball to
Peyten Czekalewski, who shut the door over the final frame to secure the 15–3 victory in the scheduled seven-inning opener.
Offensively, Southeastern scored 15 runs on nine hits in Game 1, pairing aggressive baserunning with constant pressure. Pryor drove in three runs from the leadoff spot, while Collins, Perez, and Bartholomae each finished with two RBIs. Baez and Wittmann recorded two hits apiece as the Fire controlled the game from start to finish.
The momentum carried seamlessly into Game 2, which ended after seven innings due to the run-rule. Montreat opened the scoring in the top of the second, but Southeastern responded immediately and decisively in the bottom half of the frame.
The Fire capitalized on command issues and relentless pressure.
Cade Parry was hit by a pitch to open the frame, followed by walks from Baez and
Nathanial Hopkins to load the bases.
Nick Streuer was then hit by a pitch to force in the tying run, and Perez followed with a bases-loaded walk to give Southeastern the lead. Pryor and Collins each worked RBI walks to extend the margin to 4–1.
With the bases still loaded, Wittmann delivered the only hit of the inning, lining a two-run single through the left side to push the lead to 6–1. Parry capped the seven-run outburst with a sacrifice fly, giving Southeastern a commanding 7–1 advantage.
The Fire continued to apply pressure in the third inning. After two reached base in front of him, Pryor ripped a two-run double to left. Collins followed with an RBI groundout, and Wittmann added a run-scoring sacrifice fly to stretch the lead to 11–1.
Kai Langford anchored the nightcap with a composed and efficient performance on the mound. Making his first start of the season, the right-hander worked six innings, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out seven to earn the win.
Southeastern added to its advantage in the fifth inning with a power surge. After Collins reached base, Parry launched a two-run home run to left field, his first of the season.
Cooper Ciesielski followed with a solo home run to right-center moments later, pushing the Fire's lead to 14–2.
The Fire tacked on the final run in the sixth inning as
Joshua DeGroot and Andy Roman drew back-to-back walks before
Dayne Wimberly lined an RBI single to center field.
Cole Jones closed the game with a clean seventh inning, striking out two to seal the run-rule decision.
Across the doubleheader, Southeastern scored 30 runs while showcasing depth, discipline, and timely execution throughout the lineup. With the sweep, the Fire have now won the first three games of the series to start the season 3–0.
The series finale is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Ted A. Broer Stadium.
