LAKELAND, Fla. – The Royals had their hands full with NCAA-II Florida Southern College on Tuesday evening at Henley Field. Even though the Royals plated 13 runs, it wasn't enough to combat the 26 run performance from the Moccasins. The loss drops the Royals to 11-19-1 on the season.

The Royals jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the top of the third and looked poised for victory. Jose Hernandez got the start on the mound and tossed two shutout innings against the Mocs. Hernandez allowed just two hits in his 14^th appearance.

The Moccasins took an 8-6 lead in the bottom of the fourth and never took their foot off the gas pedal. Even after the Royals scored six runs in the top of the 8^th to cut the lead to 17-12, the Mocs returned with a nine run bottom half to seal the 26-13 victory.

After Jordan Pike tossed a scoreless sixth inning for the Royals, the sophomore went 2-for-2 at the dish with his second homerun in as many games and recorded three RBIs. Kevin Gregg went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and scored four runs for the visitors. Offensively, the Royals combined for 11 hits in the loss.

Eight pitchers saw action for the Royals. Jimmy Diven (2-4) took the loss after giving up five runs on three hits in his one inning of action. As a staff, the Royals allowed 26 runs, 12 earned, on 24 hits. Only Hernandez and Pike were able to keep the Mocs at bay.

The Royals will return to Sun Conference action this weekend when they travel to West Palm Beach, Fla. to take on Northwood University. The Seahawks, who are ranked 7^th in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, will host the Royals for a three game series. Game one of the series is scheduled for Friday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m.