By Zak Orlemann '16

(AUBURNDALE, Fla.)- The Thomas More College men's baseball team notched its first win of the season trumping nationally ranked No. 20 Bridgewater (Va.) College 5-2 at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Florida. The Saints improve to 1-2 on the season.

Sophomore pitcher Logan Miller (Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle) started the game, and lasted 6.1 innings, allowing two runs, one walk, and four hits, while striking out four batters. Sophomore pitcher Chris Auer (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder) received his first collegiate victory, pitching to the tune of one strike out and one walk over one inning.

The Saints combined for seven hits, led by senior Jason Handley (Cincinnati, Oh./Oak Hills) who went two-for-four with a double and sophomore Tommy Arnzen (Edgewood, Ky./Covington Catholic) who was two-for-four with on run-batted-in. Sophomore Zach Fardo (Alexandria, Ky./ Bishop Brossart) also tallied a RBI.

The Saints were trailing 2-1 headed into the seventh when they erupted for four runs in the bottom of the inning. Handley ripped a double over the head of the centerfielder. From that point, the Saints were able to capitalize on Bridgewater's mistakes, putting two more runners on base for Fardo, who lined a shot up the middle, driving in a run, followed by a quick single from Arnzen driving in another run. They finished the inning leading by a margin of 5-2, where the teams would remain.

Senior pitcher Andy Roenker (Taylor Mill, Ky./Holy Cross) locked down his first save of the season, allowing one hit, and striking out one over the course of 1.2 innings.

The Saints are set to appear next against preseason No. 21 (ABCA Poll) Wartburg College, Tuesday March 11 at 1 p.m. in Winter Haven, Florida as a part of the Central Florida Invitational.