SAINT LEO, Fla.—In a thrilling final game of the three-game series against visiting Columbus State, Saint Leo (5-2) scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and one in the 10th inning to beat Columbus State (2-5) and complete the series sweep.
Bobby Twitty belted two hits on the day—the biggest coming in the bottom of the ninth inning when he crushed a two-run homer over the right centerfield wall to tie the game at seven runs apiece. Also collecting multiple on the day were Michael Revell, Chris Newcomb and Frank Rawdow.
The Lions held a 4-2 lead after four innings but the Cougars rallied in the fifth and the ninth to take a 7-5 lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning
After the ninth inning homerun from Twitty forced extra innings, Tyrone Miller shut down the Cougars in the top of the 10th inning to set up the Lions game-winning bottom half of the inning.
Newcomb singled up the middle to start off the inning and advanced to third on a failed pickoff attempt from Columbus State pitcher Hart Mizell. Following an intentional walk to Twitty, Taed Moses laced a line drive through the right side to bring home the game-winning run.
The exhilarating game was a showcase of the offenses right from the get-go with nine runs being scored in the first five innings. The Lions tallied 15 hits on the afternoon—a new season-high.
Relieving starter Brent Krauss after three and two-thirds innings was Matt Hewitt, who tossed two and two thirds while allowing just two hits and one earned run. Adam Albers and Tyrone Miller both threw one and two-thirds and minimized the Cougars' offensive attack just enough to get the Lions the win. Miller earned the win while not allowing any runs or hits and striking out one.
The Lions get back in action on Tuesday when they welcome the Eckerd College Tritons to Thomas B. Southard Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
