Box Score

THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Senior right-hander Neal Hunter gave up one run in eight innings on the mound, and JR Cruess continued his hot hitting as Thomas University (4-9, 1-5 TSC) picked up their first conference win of the 2016 campaign 3-1 over Southeastern. The Fire would take the series 2-1 as the Night Hawks avoided a second series sweep.

SEU would take a 1-0 lead in the top of the 3rd on two singles and a wild pitch, but the Night Hawks would answer in the bottom half of the inning. Dillon True would lead off with a single, and moved to second on an Austin Simmons sacrifice bunt. After advancing to third on a fly to right by Cruess, True would score on a misplayed grounder by the Fire shortstop to tie the game at 1.

In the bottom of the sixth, Blake Summers would reach first on a bunt with two out, and True would follow with a double in the left field gap to give TU the 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, the NIght Hawks would score the final run as Cruess would lead off with a single. Yovanny Peguero would come in to run for Cruess, and advance to second on a passed ball. Peguero advanced to third on a Jalbert Melo sacrifice bunt, and would score on a double by Colin Kirkland for the final score of the game. Cruess would finish the game 3-4, and True would add 2 hits ( 1 double) and an RBI for the Night Hawks.

Hunter kept the Fire off balance all day, working out of jams in the 3rd, 5th, and 8th innings. He would finish the 100 pitch day with 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER, and 2 Ks against 0 walks. Kris Lee would come on to pitch a perfect 9th, striking out 2 to pick up his first save.

Thomas University will look to continue winning on Tuesday, February 23 as they host Brewton Parker in a 3pm doubleheader at Varnedoe Stadium. 

For up-to-date information on this games and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU baseball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawkBaseba.