Box Score SAINT LEO, Fla. – Sophomore outfielder Lane Stancil's one-out single into right field plated junior Troy Sieber for the game-winning run as Saint Leo baseball completed the three-game series sweep over Montevallo, 6-5, in 11 innings on Sunday at Thomas B. Southard Stadium.
Sieber got aboard with a one-out double down the right field line, and advanced to third on junior Mike Mann's base hit to left. Montevallo reliever Colton Nussel issued an intentional walk to DH Nick Boland, , and Stancil drilled the first pitch over the head of Falcon right fielder Jeremy Hyde for the Lions' second walk-off victory of the weekend.
The two teams traded runs in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings, leaving the game tied 4-4.
Saint Leo (3-0) took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 7th when redshirt junior Alex Mata got aboard with a leadoff double to left-center, advanced on a wild pitch, and crossed on Sieber's double into right-center.
Montevallo (0-3) tied the game with one run in the 8th, when pinch runner Nick Smith scored on a two-out bases loaded walk issued to Tyler Krabbe. Lion reliever Marcelo Parker-Hernandez got the strikeout on Falcon third baseman Chase Bryant, limiting Montevallo to just the one run.
The Falcons had more scoring opportunities in the 9th, loading the bases with one out. The Lions again went to the bullpen and reliever Shane Haight fanned Montevallo's Matthew Furuto and Hyde to get out of the jam.
The Lions had a chance for the game-winning run in the 10th with Stancil reaching on a walk and advancing to third on a sacrifice and a wild pitch. Freshman Daniel DiMare drew the walk and stole second, putting runners at second and third with one out and the Lions coming around to the top of the order. Montevallo reliever Colton Nussel got Lion pinch hitter Shane Williams to fly out to right for the second out, and Falcon second baseman Furuto stabbed sophomore Chase Turner's line drive into right-center out of the air to end the Saint Leo threat.
Montevallo got the lead-off batter aboard and eventually over to third with one out in the 11th inning, but Haight worked his way out of trouble with a liner to short and a fly ball to center field.
Haight picked up the win for his two-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless work, holding Montevallo hitless while fanning three Falcons. Starter Dylan Collett last four-and-a-third for the Lions, allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Montevallo's Nussel took the loss after yielding one run on four hits and two walks over one-and-a-third on the mound.
Stancil finished the day 4-for-6 with a run and an RBI, while Sieber and Mann each had three hits – including a pair of doubles for Sieber.
Saint Leo will take the week to prepare for its trip to Hawaii next week and a five-game series with Hawaii Pacific. The Lions and the Sharks will open the series on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
For the latest news, updates and 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.
