LAKE WALES, Fla. - The Royals concluded their opening weekend series Monday night against the #12 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University in what turned into a late night shootout that ultimately went the way of the Eagles, as the Royals would fall 13-12.

After falling behind 4-0 in the first 2 Innings, the Royals answered back with a 3 run inning of their own in the 2nd. The Royals were able to string together strong at bats that lead to a timely RBI single from Horiam Santiago and a 2 RBI sacrifice fly by Ethan Pues, complimented by the aggressive base running of Carlito Collins. Unfortunately for the Royals, the Eagles bats came to life in the top of the 3rd and extended their lead to 10-3. 

Despite the big Inning, Warner once again showcased their resiliency as they fought back by chipping away at the lead in the bottom of the 3rd on another sacrifice fly, this time hit by Raul Olivera. In the 4th, the Royals were able to put a crooked number on the board scoring 5 more runs to cut the lead to 1. The 4th was highlighted by a 2 run Home Run by Ethan Pues, his 2nd of the season, and a double steal attempt that lead to Gabriel Rodriguez stealing home due to the awareness of Raul Olivera stalling after getting caught in a run down which allowed his teammate to reach the plate before the Eagles could record the final out of the Inning. 

Although the Eagles managed to score another run in the Top of the 5th, Warner was able to tie the game up at 11 on a 2 RBI double off the bat of Paddy Smith. Warner would go on to take a 12-11 lead in the 6th when Rodriguez scored off a balk by the OKWU pitcher. After 6 high scoring Innings offense was hard to come by for both teams, but the Eagles would take the win after manufacturing 2 runs in the top of the 9th. 

The Royals saw some strong outings from their bullpen in Monday's game. Manato Tateno threw 2.1 Innings, recording 2 strikeouts and allowed only 1 run, while Freshman Dillon Grace got his 1st collegiate strikeout against the only batter he would face in the game during a high leverage situation after inheriting runners in scoring position. Alexi Angelo threw a solid 1.1 Innings as he would go on to strikeout 3 of the batters he faced. 

Warner will look to build off their strong performances against one of the top teams in the nation as they look ahead to hosting Abraham-Baldwin Agricultural College for a double header on Friday.

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Warner Stat Leaders 
Home Runs: Ethan Pues - 1 (2nd of the season)
RBI's: Ethan Pues - 4
Stolen Bases: Gabriel Rodriguez - 2
Strikeouts Thrown: Alexi Angelo - 3

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Up Next:
The Royals will take on Abraham-Baldwin Agricultural College at Sikes Family Field on Friday, February 6th in a double header. Game 1's first pitch is scheduled for 3:00pm and Game 2 is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm.

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