SAINT LEO, Fla. – Trailing 7-5 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning in the third game with visiting Lee University, the 23
rd-ranked Saint Leo baseball team scored four runs to take the lead and closer
Trevor Sanchez worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth to secure a sweep for the Lions Saturday night. The Lions won the game 9-7 following an explosive 12-2 victory in the opening game of the doubleheader.
The two victories increase the Lions record to 6-1 on the season while the Flames of Lee fell to 3-4 overall.
Senior
Jared Morello led the offensive attack for Saint Leo as he went 5-for-9 at the plate with a home run, five RBI and four runs scored over the two contests. Junior
Amir Wright and senior
Peyton Isaacson each finished with three hits on the day. Wright was 3-for-3 in the opening game and finished 3-for-6 with three runs scored and three walks. Isaacson was 3-for-9 with a double, a home run, five RBI and two runs scored.
On the mound redshirt senior
Shane Haight took home the win in game one. He started the contest and went 6.0 innings with four strikeouts and just three hits given up. Junior
Kaleb Huxford pitched the final 3.0 innings to pick up the save while striking out four and walking three. He gave up two hits over the final third of the game. Redshirt junior
Ryan Nolan started game two and went 3.1 innings with six strikeouts and three walks. He allowed seven hits and five runs scored. Transfer
Trevor Smisek pitched the next 1.1 innings before turning the reigns over to freshman
Brady McGarry who went 3.1 innings and picked up the victory. He struck out five and walked one while not allowing a hit. Sanchez pitched the final inning while striking out one and walking two. He allowed one hit and picked up his third save of the year.
Isaacson and redshirt sophomore
Danny Torres each blasted 3-run home runs in the opening game. Torres' was the first of his career as he sent a ball deep in the seventh inning. Isaacson followed in the very next inning to score three more. Overall in the seventh and eighth innings of game one, the Lions scored seven of their 12 runs.
The second game came down to the eighth when Lee brought in their closer who had two saves coming into the game. Torres led off with a walk followed by a single from redshirt senior
Derek Gibree. Wright then sacrificed the pair to third and second, respectively. Morello then walked to load the bases with one out bringing Isaacson to the plate. Isaacson hit a 1-0 pitch deep to right centerfield and it looked to be the go ahead hit but it unfortunately bounced over the wall only allowing two runs to score. With Isaacson on second and Morello on third, a strikeout looked to put the momentum back in Lee's favor but the next batter, freshman
Mike Wyman, drew a four pitch walk. Junior
Jacob Reimold then stepped in to pinch hit and he was hit by an 0-2 inside pitch to draw the HBP. The hit by pitch walked home the game-winning run for the Lions. After a pitching change the new pitcher did the same thing as he hit redshirt freshman
PJ Barry to put the Lions up two.
Sanchez picked up two quick outs in the top of the ninth but two walks and a single loaded the bases for the Flames. Sanchez was able to induce a soft grounder to the right of the mound and he collected the ball and tossed it to first for the victory.
The Lions will now begin preparation for their battle with No. 3 Columbus State next weekend. Saint Leo will travel to Columbus, Ga. for a three-game series beginning February 16.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo baseball team be sure to 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.
