LAKELAND, FL- The Royals traveled to Southeastern University as they faced off against the Fire in a doubleheader series to begin Sun Conference play.
In game three, the Royals sent out
Cauy Massner who held a 3-2 record on the season. Pitching was on full display to start the game as both pitchers failed to give up a run through the first two innings. Southeastern would get on the board first, in the bottom of the third, thanks to an RBI single from Castillo. The Royals tied the game up at one, in the top of the fifth, as a result of an Austin Chisenhall RBI single that would bring in fellow outfielder Carlos Vincente. The Fire wouldn't wait long to respond, however, as (DH) Bryant connected with a two-run home run to left field. Trailing 3 to 1, the Royals got a great relief effort from
Brock Joyce who kept Southeastern off the scoreboard the rest of the game. Warner looked to have something brewing in the top of the seventh when CF Diego Guevarra led the inning off with a single. However, the following at-bat resulted in a crushing double play. Despite stellar pitching from both Massner and Joyce, the Royals weren't able to muster any late game runs in hopes of a comeback. The Royals lose a close one 3-1 to begin Saturday,
After the tough loss in game three, the Royals sent out Jefferey Almanzar as they looked to take the final game on the road. Southeastern got on the board quickly, as they tallied one run in the first inning, and two in the second. Trailing 3-0 quickly, the Royals turned to their bullpen early in this one.
Liam Felix,
Freddy Gonzalez, and Riley Rozar were all phenomenal out of the bullpen as they shut out the Fire the rest of the game. Moving over to the offensive side, it wasn't until the top of the fifth, that the Royals put a positive inning together at the plate. Following a HBP and a single, catcher
Julian Figueroa delivered in a big way, driving in a run with an RBI single to right field. The Royals weren't done there, however, as they would tack on another run due to
Ian Anderson scoring on a wild pitch from Reeves. Despite pulling the game within one, the Royals couldn't generate the tying run they needed and went on to lose this game 3-2. The Royals look to bounce back as they host Florida Memorial in a four game Sun Conference series starting Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 PM.
INSIDE THE GAME: Warner University vs Southeastern Fire
FINAL: Royals 1, Fire 3
RECORDS: Royals (17-12,0-3), Fire (26-2, 7-0)
INSIDE THE GAME: Warner University vs Southeastern Fire
FINAL: Royals 2, Fire 3
RECORDS: Royals (17-13,0-4), Fire (27-2, 8-0)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
- Julian Figueroa went 1-3 today, while driving in an important game four run.
- Ian Anderson tallied three hits on the day.
- The Royals bullpen in both games was lights out. On the day, they threw 9 scoreless innings, giving up four hits, and striking out six.
UP NEXT:
The Royals host Florida Memorial for a four game Sun Conference series starting Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 PM.
