TAMPA, Fla.- The Lions and Spartans split Saturday's doubleheader as Tampa took the series with a 13-3 win in game one, while Saint Leo prevented the sweep with a 12-5 win in game two in the final Sunshine State Conference games for the Green and Gold this season.

Game two began with two early runs for the Lions in the top of the second. After Taylor Perez led the inning off with a single, he would come around to score after a Chad Miller single and then a failed pick-off attempt. Miller would later score on a Dale Irving single.  Perez would finish the series 8-for-11 with two RBI and three runs scored.

In the bottom of the frame, Tampa would plate two runs to even the score at two apiece. These would be the only runs given up by starting pitcher Jordan Taylor as he blanked the Spartans for the next four innings. Taylor exited in the bottom of the seventh having pitched six and a third allowing four runs on nine hits. His efforts and the Lions' offense earned him the win, his fourth of the season.

In the top of the third, Dylan Harris broke the tie with his fourth home run of the season pushing the score to 3-2. Harris went 9-for-16 in the series including a 4-for-6 effort in game two of the doubleheader.

With the bases loaded in the top of the fifth, Zach Sabo who made his first start of the season hit a base clearing double to break it open for Saint Leo 7-2. The three RBI brought Sabo's total up to seven for the season.

Despite comeback efforts by the Spartans who were able to plate two in the seventh and one in the eighth, the Lions posted five more runs to secure the victory 12-5. Brandon Mumaw who replaced Taylor in the seventh threw 2.2 innings surrendering just one run on three hits to close out the win. Brad Hencke took the loss for Tampa after giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits in 2.0 innings pitched.

In game one Jordan Pendleton (6-1) took the loss, his first of the year after going 2.0 innings allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits. Michael Calkins (4-4) got the win for Tampa going 6.0 innings, giving up two runs on 11 hits.

Stephen Dezzi played the thorn in the Lions' paw going 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI.

Saint Leo will finish conference play with a 13-11 record, but will need to wait until the results of next weekend's SSC matchups to determine their standing.

The Lions will wrap up the regular season with a road trip to take on Palm Beach Atlantic in a three game series beginning Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m.  

For more information on the Saint Leo baseball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.