LAKELAND, Fla. — No. 9 Southeastern closed out its weekend series in convincing fashion Saturday, erupting offensively in a 17–4 run-rule victory over Ave Maria at Ted A. Broer Stadium to secure a 3–1 series win.
The Fire (30-12, 14-6 Sun) were tested early, as Ave Maria jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run. Southeastern's response was immediate and overwhelming. In the bottom half of the inning, the Fire sent 13 batters to the plate and scored eight runs, turning the early deficit into a commanding 8–2 advantage.
Armani Cozza sparked the rally with a leadoff double and later delivered a two-run single as part of a four-hit day.
Cooper Ciesielski provided the biggest swing of the inning, launching a three-run home run down the left field line, while
Cade Parry added an RBI single to keep the line moving. By the end of the frame, Southeastern had seized full control of the game.
That early outburst proved more than enough, but the Fire continued to build. Southeastern added a run in the third inning before extending its lead in the fifth. Parry delivered the decisive blow in that frame, crushing a three-run home run to right-center to push the margin to 12–4.
The Fire put the finishing touches on the game in the sixth inning, plating five runs with the help of patient at-bats and timely hitting. Cozza added a two-run double, and Southeastern capitalized on walks, hit-by-pitches, and wild pitches to stretch the lead to 17–4, setting up the run-rule finish.
Cozza led the offense with a 4-for-5 performance, scoring three times and driving in four runs. Parry recorded a game-high five RBI, while Ciesielski added four of his own, giving the Fire three players with at least four RBI in the contest. Southeastern finished with 13 hits and drew seven walks, consistently applying pressure on Ave Maria's pitching staff.
On the mound, Southeastern's pitching staff settled in after the opening inning.
Blake Albritton earned the win in relief, allowing just one run over three innings while helping stabilize the game following the early deficit.
Parker Lambeth and
Micah Earwood each contributed solid middle relief appearances, and
Peyten Czekalewski closed the door in the seventh by striking out the side to end the game.
The Fire limited Ave Maria to four runs on eight hits and did not allow a run over the final two innings, maintaining control throughout the latter stages of the contest.
Southeastern now heads into a key conference series, traveling to Babson Park, Fla., for a four-game set against first-place Webber International. The series is scheduled for April 16, April 17 (doubleheader), and April 18.
