SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Barry University baseball team (28-12, 9-6 SSC) lost a doubleheader to Saint Leo University earlier today in Sunshine State Conference action at Southard Stadium. The Lions took game one 11-7 and trounced the Bucs 20-9 in the nightcap.
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The doubleheader turned out to be a batter's duel, as both teams combined to score 47 runs over the two game period. In the first battle, the Lions (25-16, 7-9 SSC) struck early by scoring two runs in the first. The Buccaneers responded in the second by batting around the order to score five runs on five hits. Carlos Gomez was brought home from a monster home run by Mitch Rodriguez, his second in two games. With the bases loaded, Chris Leon then crossed the plate to score after Evan Ashley reached on a fielder's choice. After a sacrifice fly by Andrew Frezza scored Rossi from third, a Lion error allowed the Bucs another run to extend their lead 5-2.
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However, even after the Bucs put two more runs on the board in the fifth, Saint Leo came clawing back and retook the lead 9-7 after scoring sixth runs on a two-out rally in the seventh, including four separate home runs. The Lions added two more insurance runs in the eighth to finish the game.
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Rodriguez led Barry behind the plate with two runs, two hits, and two RBI, while Gomez had two runs and two hits and Ashley recorded two hits and two RBI. For the Lions, eight players recorded hits, seven players notched a run, and sixth different players had an RBI. Aaron Main (7-3) suffered the loss for the Bucs, while Shane Buriff (3-0) picked up the win for Saint Leo.
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The Lions continued their onslaught of the Bucs in the first inning of game two by scoring seven runs on eight hits, including a grand slam. Although Barry scored two runs each in the second, third, and fourth innings, Saint Leo again pounded the Bucs in the third for seven runs on four hits, including another grand slam. In the fourth, a NCAA Division II record third grand slam was recorded by the Lions, extending their lead 20-6.
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Seven different players recorded hits for the Bucs, including home runs for both Manny Pedrozo and Yudelmis Hernandez. Anthony Santa led Saint Leo with three runs, three hits, and six RBI. Bobby Riley (1-1) suffered the loss for the Bucs, while Matt Smith (4-1) picked up the win for the Lions.
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The Buccaneers return to action on Tuesday, Apr. 15 as they face off against Division I Florida International at 7:00 pm in Miami, Fla.
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(04/12/2008 at St. Leo, Fla.) (Game 1)
Saint Leo 11, Barry 7
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Barry.................... 050 020 000Â -Â 7 11Â 1Â Â Â Â Â (28-11, 9-5 SSC)
Saint Leo........... 200 010 62XÂ - 11 12Â 2Â Â Â Â Â (24-16, 6-9 SSC)
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Shane Buriff(7).
Win-Shane Buriff(3-0)Â Loss-Aaron Main(7-3)Â T-3:17Â A-267
HR SLB - Kyle Hobbs (5); T.J. Alonzo (17); Jonathan Duncan (5); Jason Hamm (1).
Weather: warm
Main faced 4 batters in the 7th.
Game: BB0412A
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(04/12/2008 at St. Leo, Fla.) (Game 2)
Saint Leo 20, Barry 9
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Barry............... 022 202 1 -Â 9 11Â 2Â Â Â Â Â (28-12, 9-6 ssc)
Saint Leo........... 727 400 X - 20 17Â 3Â Â Â Â Â (25-16, 7-9 ssc)
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Win-Matt Smith(4-1)Â Loss-Bobby Riley(1-1)Â T-2:55Â A-0
HR SLB - Jonathan Duncan (5); Anthony Santa 2 (4); Braulio Pardo (3); Zac Caito (1).
Weather: cloudy
Mastin faced 4 batters in the 3rd.
Game: BB0412B