FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – Trailing in the seventh inning, the University of Montevallo was able to plate three runs and overtake the lead from the visiting Saint Leo Lions. An insurance run in the eighth secured the 8-5 win for the Falcons in the rubber match between two top 20 teams.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team,” said Montevallo baseball coach Chandler Rose. “That was a great series and a lot of fun. Saint Leo has a very good team but I’m so proud of how we fought back after Friday to win the series. We showed a ton of toughness and fight all weekend. We had so many guys step up and contribute all weekend. It was really a great series win for the team.”

It was another strong day at the plate for a prolific Falcons’ lineup that has not scored less than six runs in any game this season. Their eight runs came on 12 hits that were spread out throughout the lineup.

Notably, shortstop Dane Hutcheon hit ninth and went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. The freshman from Colorado Springs also assisted on five putouts to lead the team.

The top of the order for Montevallo also continued to produce. Will Fulmer went 2-for-5 and recorded two RBIs in the leadoff role. He also stole his third base of the season.

Matthew Haskins, Jackson Slaid and Zack Willoughby combined to go 5-for-12 on the afternoon.

Michael Simmons thrived in the designated hitter role in his first start of the year. He went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Pablo Martell drew two walks on the day.

On the mound, Cody Hughes was strong in the starting role. After giving up a leadoff double in the first, he retired the next three batters and did not yield a run. In all, Hughes pitched 4+ innings, allowing six hits, striking out three, and giving up four earned runs.

Alex Guilford (1-0) recorded the win for the Falcons in his season debut. In three innings out of the pen, Guilford only gave up two hits and allowed one earned run.

The final two innings were closed out by Aron McRee. McRee recorded a two inning save, only allowing one hit and recording a 1-2-3 ninth inning.