LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Royals baseball team won their first home game of the 2015 season on Wednesday afternoon, beating the visiting Judges of Brandeis University (Mass.) 8-7 in a non-conference matchup. The win improves the Royals record to 3-6 overall on the season.

The Royals jumped out to a 6-1 lead after a four-run fourth inning. Tomas Rivera got things started, crossing home due to a balk from the Judges' pitcher. Randy Rodriguez then put a ball in play that plated Kevin Gregg. The Royals then found their bats, hitting back-to-back-to-back doubles and scoring three runs. Anthony Dovale drove in the fourth run of the inning for the Royals on an RBI-single through the left side.

The visitors battled back in the top of the fifth to tie the game 6-6. The homeside turned right back around and scored on a defensive error by the Judges in the bottom half of the same inning to regain the lead. The Royals scored their final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth, after Dovale doubled to left-center and plated Rodriguez.

Anthony Dovale not only went 3-for-5 at the dish, but also earned his first win of the season on the mound for the Royals. Broderick Rodocker also earned his first save of the season, pitching a hit-less ninth inning. Rodocker also led the way offensively, going 4-for-5 at the plate.

The Royals offensive combined for 14 hits from seven different players. Chase Coon went 2-for-4 on the day with two RBIs, while Randy Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with two RBIs as well.

Next up for the Royals will be a home Sun Conference series beginning on Friday, February 20. The Royals will welcome the visiting Nighthawks from Thomas University (Ga.) for a three game set. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 3 p.m. The teams will then play a double-header on Saturday, with the first game beginning at 11 a.m.