Saint Leo University Athletics

SAINT LEO, Fla. – Despite trailing from a 5-0 deficit early in the game and then eventually claiming a five-run lead later in the game, the Saint Leo baseball team lost 11-10 in a back-and-forth affair against Eckerd in the series-opener on Friday night in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) action.

Senior Dylan Mass collected his 200th career hit in the third as he trimmed the Lions deficit to 5-2 with a two-run single to right field. In the fifth, the Green & Gold added another pair of runs with senior Thomas DeBrower and Mass recording RBIs, 5-4. During the sixth, the Saint Leo offense was firing on all cylinders with six runs in that half inning. The inning was highlighted by a two-run triple from senior Ryan Crivello that gave the Lions a 9-5 advantage. By the end of the sixth, the Green & Gold held a 10-5 edge.

However, during the eighth, the Tritons scored six runs to reclaim the lead with a 11-10 score as the Lions were scoreless for the remainder of the game.

On the mound, junior Cian Phillips started and pitched 2.0 innings while he surrendered five runs (one earned) on four hits in addition to issuing two walks and tallying one strikeout. In relief, freshman Aiden Smarrito had 5.0 innings of work while notching four strikeouts and allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits.

The Lions will conclude their series versus Eckerd with a doubleheader tomorrow, Saturday, May 9 starting at 1 p.m. Prior to the start of tomorrow's game one, the Lions baseball program will honor and recognize the team's seniors.