LAKELAND, Fla. -- No. 3 Southeastern returns home this weekend to continue its early-season momentum, hosting Marian for a four-game set at Ted A. Broer Stadium. The Fire enter the weekend riding a five-game winning streak and sitting at 9-3 overall, looking to strengthen their position in the national rankings.
Schedule
- Friday, February 20 – 2 p.m. – vs. Marian (DH)
- Saturday, February 21 – 11 a.m. – vs. Marian (DH)
All four games at Ted A. Broer Stadium in Lakeland, Fla.
How to Follow
All four games will stream live on the Urban Edge Network app, available on Smart TV and mobile devices, and online at urbanedgenetwork.net. Live statistics will be available at SEUFire.com.
Fire 5 – Five Quick Hits on No. 3 Southeastern
- Five Straight & 9-3 Overall
No. 3 Southeastern enters the weekend at 9-3 overall, riding a five-game winning streak and outscoring opponents 102-43 through 12 games.
- Power Production
The Fire have launched 12 home runs in 12 games, including three-homer performances in a single game, and have homered in eight of 12 contests
- Sandvik Setting the Tone
Blake Sandvik is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three starts, averaging a 58.7 game score — the best on the staff.
- Run Support = Wins
When Southeastern scores 10+ runs, it is a perfect 5-0 this season.
- Late-Inning Lockdown
In late-inning pressure situations, SEU pitching owns a 1.40 ERA and .190 opponent average, with 67% of inherited runners stranded.
About the Fire
Southeastern enters the weekend at 9-3 overall with a 5-3 mark at home and a perfect 4-0 record on the road. The Fire have yet to begin Sun Conference play and carry a five-game winning streak into the series. Through 12 games, SEU has outscored opponents 102-43 while maintaining consistent production on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, the Fire are hitting .262 as a team with a .419 on-base percentage and a .426 slugging percentage. Nationally, Southeastern ranks 47th in OBP, 23rd in home runs (12), and 54th in hits (94). The lineup has drawn 61 walks and been hit by 42 pitches, reflecting a patient approach that has helped produce 92 RBIs. The Fire have also been efficient on the bases, converting 26 of 32 stolen base attempts.
On the mound, Southeastern owns a 3.12 team ERA, which ranks 17th nationally, along with a 1.33 WHIP (30th). The pitching staff has struck out 94 batters in 101 innings and limited opponents to a .243 batting average. The Fire have allowed just four home runs all season while holding opposing teams to 35 earned runs.
At the Plate
Nick Streuer has provided steady production near the top of the lineup, leading the team with a .346 batting average. In 26 at-bats, he has scored 13 runs and driven in 10 while posting a .500 on-base percentage. Streuer's ability to reach base and generate extra-base hits has helped set the tone offensively.
Nathanial Hopkins has started all 12 games and is hitting .300 with four doubles and eight RBIs. He has totaled 12 hits and 19 total bases, adding consistent contact production in the middle of the order. His defensive work has also anchored the infield.
Cade Parry has contributed both power and run production, hitting .296 with two home runs and seven RBIs. His .556 slugging percentage reflects his ability to drive the baseball, and he has added five hit-by-pitches to push his on-base percentage to .432.
Paul Wittmann has been one of the most impactful offensive players early in the season. He is hitting .289 with three home runs and 11 RBIs while scoring a team-high 14 runs. Wittmann's .605 slugging percentage leads regular starters, and he has been a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts, adding another dimension to the offense.
Behind the plate,
David Flores has quietly been one of the team's most efficient hitters. In 22 at-bats, he is hitting .364 with a .500 on-base percentage. His ability to manage the pitching staff while contributing offensively has added balance to the lineup.
On the Mound
Blake Sandvik has emerged as the staff's most reliable starter. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA over 18.1 innings, striking out 17 batters while holding opponents to a .224 average. His ability to work deep into games has helped stabilize the rotation.
Byler Reither has also made three starts, compiling a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA across 16 innings. He has struck out 16 batters and provided competitive outings that have kept the Fire in position to win each time out.
Brody McMullen has been effective both as a starter and out of the bullpen, posting a 1.13 ERA over 16 innings. He has recorded 12 strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs, serving as a dependable option in high-leverage situations.
Out of the bullpen,
Cole Jones has secured two saves while posting a 3.60 ERA. Combined with a group that includes
Micah Earwood and
Parker Lambeth—both yet to allow an earned run—the Fire bullpen has provided consistency and depth behind the starting rotation.
Opponent Snapshot — Marian
Marian enters the weekend at 4-0 overall, all on the road, after opening the season with a sweep at Bryan (Tenn.). The Knights posted offensive totals of 17-10 and 19-2 on opening day before following with 12-9 and 1-0 victories to complete the series. Through four games, Marian is hitting .338 as a team with 17 home runs and a .752 slugging percentage, averaging more than 12 runs per contest. Hector Corona has been a key catalyst, batting .467 with four home runs and 13 RBIs, while Brayden Coffey (.438) and River Pecina (.400, two home runs) have added depth to the lineup. On the mound, Marian owns a 4.50 team ERA with 42 strikeouts in 32 innings, highlighted by Seth Hogg's complete-game shutout in the 1-0 finale against Bryan.
All-Time Series vs. Marian
This weekend marks the first-ever meeting between Southeastern and Marian on the baseball diamond. With no prior history between the two programs, the four-game set in Lakeland opens a new series and provides an early measuring stick for both sides. Southeastern will look to protect its home field, while Marian enters seeking a statement result against a nationally ranked opponent in the inaugural matchup.
Looking Ahead
Southeastern will have a week off before returning to action at home against Peru State. The four-game series at Ted A. Broer Stadium begins Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m., continues with a Friday, March 6 doubleheader at 2 p.m., and concludes Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m.
