LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Warner University baseball team opened up their 2015 season at home on Saturday, January 31 with a double-header against cross-town rivals, Webber International University. The last time the two teams met was during 2014 The Sun Conference tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla. in an 11-5 loss for the Royals to end their post-season run.

In game one of the double header, the visiting Warriors jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two complete innings. The Royals cut the lead to one run after scoring three runs of their own in the bottom of the third inning but defensive miscues and strong hitting from the visitors led to a 12-4 loss for the home team.

Dylan Heiring (1-0) started for the Royals on the mound in game one and went three complete innings, allowing four runs, one earned, on two hits. Jose Hernandez, Blaine Rhea, and Eric Green all saw action on the mound as well. As a team, the Royals allowed twelve runs on ten hits.

New comers, Randy Rodriguez and Torri Pringle, had the best offensive performance for the Royals. Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with an RBI in game one, while Pringle was 1-for-2 and scored a run.

Jimmy Diven (0-1) got the ball in game two for the Royals and allowed two Warrior runs in his two innings of work. Dalton Kelley came in for relief and allowed just one hit, while striking out three batters in his two inning showing.

Seven Royals' players recorded hits in the 6-2 loss in game two. Broderick Rodocker had the best performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 and scoring a run.

The Royals will head to St. Petersburg, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 7 for a double-header against NCAA-II Eckerd College. Game one is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start. The following weekend, the team will head to Hardeeville, S.C. to open up Sun Conference play against South Carolina Beaufort in a three game series.