SAINT LEO, Fla.- The Saint Leo baseball team welcomed #3 University of Tampa for a weekend Sunshine State Conference series. The Lions stormed back after falling behind three in the top of the first to stun the #3 Spartans in the first game of their series, 6-4.
 
With the win the Lions now sit at 25-17 on the season and 13-9 in the SSC.
 
#3 University of Tampa got to starting pitcher Dariel Fregio early, jumping out to an early three run lead in the first inning. Fregio found his composure after the first inning, tossing five and a third innings of work allowing only 8 hits through 26 batters faced.
 
The Lions would attack the Spartan lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with a one out rally. Bobby Sparling would draw a walk to give Saint Leo their first base runner of the inning. Mike Wyman would follow up with a single to shallow left field. Caleb Adams would load the bases with a bunt to third. The Lions would earn their first run of the game when Yazael Nunez would draw a walk to drive in Sparling. Buck Anderson would tie the game up with a two-run single to left field.
 
#3 Tampa would regain the lead on a wild pitch in the top of the sixth inning.
 
The Lions threatened the Spartans lead in the bottom half of the sixth with runners at third and second. The #3 ranked Spartans were able to escape the jam with a pivotal strike out to end the inning.
 
Saint Leo would find themselves with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh. Eddie Niemann III would give the Lions the lead with a bases loaded two run single up the middle.
 
Anderson continued to have a great night at the plate, extending the Lions lead to two runs in the bottom of the eighth with a one run single up the middle.
 
Luke Lashutka earned himself the win on the mound for Saint Leo after tossing 3.2 innings of work. Lashutka struck out four batters and allowed one hit to pick up his third win of the season.
 
The Lions will close out their series against #3 Tampa at Thomas B. Southard Stadium in a doubleheader. First pitch in game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 P.M.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Baseball, 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.