Box Score MIAMI GARDESN, FLA – St. Thomas improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season with a win on Wednesday night against rival Florida Memorial. The Bobcats continue to put up big run totals this season, beating the Lions 7-1. Sophomore Jerry Downs (St. Brendan HS) and junior Oscar Aguirre (South Dade HS) led the way for STU, driving in three of STU's seven runs.

Brandon Valentin (Nova Southeastern HS) earned the first win of his collegiate caeeer in his first career start after allowing just one run on five hits, while striking out four and walking two in six complete innings pitched. Freshman Phillip Colominas (Miami Killian HS), sophomore Andres Hernandez (St. Brendan HS) and senior Fernando Escarra shut out the Lions in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings respectively.

St. Thomas opened up the scoring early. In the first inning the Bobcats were able to score two runs with some very patient at bats, strong base running and erratic pitching by the Lions. Five walks, a stolen base and a wild pitch allowed STU score their two runs on only one hit.

In the top of the fourth inning FMU were able to get on the board with a solo home run by FMU center fielder Carlos Senluis. The Bobcats were quick to respond, scoring another run in their frame. St. Thomas again got men on base through some errant pitching. After a single and walk to open the bottom of the fourth, Aguirre and Downs were hit by pitch, and Edwin Medina scored.

The Bobcats took control of the game in the fifth inning. After two quick outs, STU doubled three times in a row scoring two runs. Downs pushed home another run with his second single of the game. After stealing second, Downs would score after a walk and a wild pitch brought the sophomore across home plate for the final run of the game.

With a big lead the Bobcats bullpen was able to keep Florida Memorial of the board, securing a win in the Battle for Miami Gardens.