SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo baseball team collected a series win over Florida Tech after splitting a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) action as the Lions earned a 5-2 win in game one followed by dropping game two by a 9-8 margin.

GAME ONE: Saint Leo 5, Florida Tech 2

The Lions tallied three runs in the first that was highlighted by an RBI-single from senior Braden Killens followed by a two-run single through the right side by graduate student Adam Berry. Senior Caleb Adams doubled down the left field line to plate a pair of runs and extend the Green and Gold lead to 5-0. The Panthers were able to score a run in the fourth and fifth but were ultimately held in check for the remainder of the game as Saint Leo sealed the 5-2 victory.

On the mound, senior Dawson Turner started for the Lions and collected the win as he pitched 5.0 innings and registered a trio of strikeouts while only allowing two hits (both earned) on eight hits. In relief, junior Tyler Mecchella posted the save and pitched the top of the ninth in addition to holding the Panthers scoreless.

GAME TWO: Florida Tech 9, Saint Leo 8

The third game of the series featured a back-and-forth affair in the middle of the game as Florida Tech scored a pir of runs in the top half of the third followed by the Lions lacing four runs in the bottom third. The Panthers registered three runs in the fourth while the Green and Gold scored one. Florida Tech plated two runs in the fifth before Saint Leo scored a run in the sixth, seventh, and eighth. However, in the ninth, the Panthers tied the game with a solo homer followed by scoring their ninth run on a wild pitch.

Senior Aedan Walter started the game and pitched 4.0 innings while allowing five runs (all earned) on five hits. Junior Harrison Miller pitched 3.0 innings in relief and posted three strikeouts while holding the Panthers hitless.

Saint Leo returns to action on Tuesday, March 25 as it travels to face top-ranked Tampa in a non-conference bout, starting at 6 p.m.