SAINT LEO, Fla. – Despite a four-run bottom of the ninth, the Saint Leo baseball team lost 9-5 in their Sunshine State Conference (SSC) series-opener versus Nova Southeastern on Friday night.

The Sharks gained an early 2-0 lead in the first, however, senior Amai Rivera-Martinez blasted a solo homer to run field to trim the Lions deficit to 2-1 in the third. In the ninth, Nova Southeastern held a 9-1 cushion. Saint Leo scored its first run of the inning on a passed ball as junior Camdin Jansen made the score 9-2. Freshman Noah Delgado recorded his third jack of the season with a pair of runners on base as the Green & Gold only trailed by a 9-5 margin. However, the Sharks held the Lions at bay for the remainder of the inning.

On the mound, freshman Parker Hohnstock started and pitched 4.0 innings while recording three strikeouts. He also allowed five runs (all earned) on five hits and issued five walks. In relief, senior Matt Delph posted a trio of strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work while freshman Collin Lock and senior Harrison Miller notched a pair of strikeouts each.

The Lions return to action tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 as they conclude their series with Nova Southeastern with a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.