AUSTIN, Texas – The Hilltoppers shook off their four-game split from last weekend to pick up a doubleheader sweep of Philadelphia Sciences Saturday afternoon. The St. Edward's pitching staff produced 20 strikeouts in just 14 innings of work to lead the home team.
Game 1: SEU, 6-3Philadelphia Sciences (1-5) got on the scoreboard first with a single run in the first inning.
DYLAN WATTS responded in a big way in the second inning, as the Hilltopper third baseman launched a three-run home run over the wall in left-center to give the home team a 3-1 lead.
St. Edward's (14-5) added two more runs in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by
J.D. ARROWOOD, and a two-out RBI-single from Wes Harris. That made it 5-1, Hilltoppers, after the first three frames.
The Devils chipped away at the lead with a two-run home run in the fourth inning, but an insurance tally by the Hilltoppers in the sixth, on a RBI-single by
KEVIN MAYO proved too much for the visitors.
COLLIN SHERROD improved to 5-0 on the mound. He struck out a season-high 12 batters, while allowing just five hits in his first complete game of the year.
Game 2: SEU, 12-2 (7)The Devils were looking to rebound in game two, as they put up two runs in the first inning, and had their bench excited.
That excitement started to drift away as St. Edward's would score at least one run in the next seven innings. The Hilltoppers peppered the visiting staff for 14 hits in game two.
JOSEPH OLSON had a monster game at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two triples, a double, and four RBI.
"I really focused on the approach at the plate that the coaches put into practice this week," Olson said. "On the other side, our pitching has been phenomenal. I couldn't be more excited about catching our staff."
NICK LERICK also stayed hot, pounding out three hits.
CAMERON STANTON (4-1) was outstanding on the mound. The junior righthander allowed two runs (one earned) on just four hits, while striking out eight in his complete-game win.
"There were some good things and bad things that happened today," head coach Rob Penders said. "There is more good than bad when you win both games."
In the last three games (23.0 innings), St. Edward's pitching has 36 strikeouts as a staff.
The two teams will meet tomorrow in another doubleheader. First pitch is set for noon at Lucian-Hamilton Field. Live video and stats will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.
