SAINT LEO, Fla.--Barry University’s baseball team rebounded from Tuesday’s night loss with an 8-3 win versus Saint Leo Friday night in the first of a three game set. Brad McAllister delivered another solid performance, and the Buccaneers offense gave plenty of support as Barry (10-9, 4-0 SSC) maintained an unblemished record in Sunshine State Conference play.
Both teams entered the game at the top of the SSC standings in just the second conference series for both squads, but the Bucs remain at the top spot after Friday night's win.
Barry fell behind early, surrendering a run in the first, but the Buccaneers answered with six unanswered runs to grab the lead in the early going.
In the top of the third Michael Slabach reached after a base hit to the right side and that was followed by a homerun by Tim Blackmon giving the Bucs a 3-1 lead.
Barry scored three more runs in the top of the fourth with Andy Ruiz and Blackmon picking up RBI singles in the frame extending the deficit to 6-1.
The consistent offense chased Saint Leo starter Aaron Brandt after just three and a third innings of work.
McAllister retired nine of the next ten hitters after allowing a run in the first, but the Lions (15-7, 2-2 SSC) threatened in the fifth after back-to-back singles and a hit by pitch loaded the bases.
A fly ball to right field and a pair of groundball outs would limit the damage to just one run and McAllister escaped the jam.
The six runs proved to be enough for the Bucs starter McAllister(2-0) who in six innings of work scattered two runs on six hits and struck out three.
Barry tacked on insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings, Tyler Petsch allowed one run in two innings of relief and Rene Estrada worked a scoreless ninth to seal the victory for the Bucs.
Tim Blackmon led the charge offensively going 2-for-4 with a homerun, three RBI and his first stolen base of the season. Michael Slabach and Harold Holness also added two hits each.
Aaron Brandt (4-2) was tagged with the loss after surrendering six runs in just over three innings of work.
The Bucs and Lions will wrap up the three game set with a doubleheader tomorrow afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m.
Live-stat and audio broadcast will be available for both games through and live-video broadcast will be available for game one only. You can follow the action through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM.