May 16, 2007

In the first game of Super Region play, the Lee University baseball team started off with a bang, blasting St. Thomas University (Fla.) 18-5 on a cool Wednesday evening at Olympic Field. The victory gives Lee a chance to guarantee a place at the NAIA World Series with a win on Thursday night at 6 p.m.

The Maroon and White were in complete command from the first inning, as the Lee bats pounded out 20 hits in the first five frames. The Flames scored two runs in the first, six more an inning later, and another in the third before the Bobcats even crossed the plate. Lee added four more in the fourth and five in the fifth frame.

St. Thomas scored three of their runs in the third inning and added single runs in the fifth and seventh. Hamzeld Díaz swung a huge bat for the Miami Gardens club, with a home run, a double, and a single. No other Bobcat had more than one run, hit, or RBI.

Jeremy Hutslar had a fantastic day at the plate, totaling five hits in six at bats and notching a walk as well. He scored four times, had a double, drove in three runners, and stole a base. The five hits are tied for the most in a game in Lee history, which Hutslar has accomplished three times.

Lance Zawadzki and Kyle Sullivan each had three hits, with Sullivan collecting a triple and Zawadzki crushing a double to go with four RBI. Lee's shortstop also ripped his 100th hit of the season, extending his season record. Hutslar is one hit behind him. Tony Pérez smacked his seventh four-bagger of the campaign, while Michael Valadez launched his third of the season.

Gabe Seten earned the win to improve to 8-4. He pitched six innings, allowing one earned run on six hits and three walks. He struck out five and hit three batters. Josh Brundige, Matt Montgomery, and Joel Matthews finished off the game for Lee.

Michel Medina dropped to 10-3, lasting only 1 1/3 innings and giving up six earned runs. Jhonny Montoya went two frames, giving up four runs. Daylan Gil added 1 1/3 more innings with one earned run before José García finished off with 4 1/3 frames.

Lee upped its record to 49-12, while St. Thomas drops to 45-13-1. The two sides square off again tomorrow night at Olympic Field and admission is free. Lee has never won a Super Regional and has not advanced to the World Series since 2005. The game will be carried on WBAC 1340 AM and Teamline (www.goleeflames.com/baseball).