LAKE WALES, Fla. - Warner opened up game one of the three game series hosting the NAIA #10 and Sun Conference foe St. Thomas University tonight.

Warner entered the game with a 27-12 overall record and are 7-5 in conference play. St. Thomas entered the game with a 28-8 record and are 10-2 in the TSC.

Michael Batten took the mound for his 7th start of the year, (3-2), Batten pitched 4 innings giving up 6 runs before being relieved by Jarrett Joyner.

Orlando Rodriguez started tonight on the mound for the Bobcats. Rodriguez entered the game as the Bobcats team leader with a 1.69 ERA.

Both pitchers started the game well, were able to battle some early adversity and entered the top of the 4th inning tied 0-0.

St. Thomas opened things up in the top of the 4th with a booming inning scoring 6 runs on 4 hits.

The Royals were able to get 2 runs across in the bottom of the 4th to cut into the 6 run deficit.

Warner added another run in the 5th inning to cut the lead in half, Bobcats lead 6-3 after 5 innings.

Both pitching staffs continued to pitch well, not allowing anymore runs to score. The Bobcats entered the 9th inning ahead 6-3.

The Royals built some momentum in the bottom of the 9th inning scoring 1 run off a bases loaded walk to Scott Fickas. Unfortunately they were unable to capitalize on bases loaded and fell 6-4 to the Bobcats.