LAKE WALES, Fla. – St. Thomas (9-4, 5-2 The Sun Conference) came from behind using a seven-run sixth inning to defeat Warner (4-11, 2-5) 9-6 to take the first of a three-game conference series.  With the win, the Bobcats now lead The Sun Conference standings and are winners of four straight.
 
Starting pitcher Marcos Barrios (1-1) earned his first win as a Bobcat, allowing five runs on eight hits over five innings.  Closer Chris Rodriguez earned his fourth save of the year with two perfect innings to close the game, striking out three of the six batters he faced.
 
Trailing 3-1 after five innings, the Bobcats rallied with a seven runs in the sixth highlighted by a 3-run double by Cesar Ramirez and a two-run single by Steven Fischer.  The Royals responded with three runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 8-6.  In the top of the ninth, Oscar Rodriguez stole home on a double steal to give the Bobcats an insurance run. 
 
STU scored its nine runs on just six hits. The Bobcat hitters did draw five walks and were opportunistic as the Royals committed four errors.
 
The series concludes Saturday with a doubleheader scheduled to start at 11 a.m. in Lake Wales, Fla.