MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas (22-11, 8-3 TSC), ranked number nine by Perfect Game and number 25 in the NAIA Coaches Poll, swept a doubleheader over Florida Memorial (6-24, 3-10 TSC)  with wins of 4-1 and 16-4 Saturday  at Paul Demie Mainieri Field.  Alex Viera was credited with the game one win after pitching 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three to improve his record to 6-0.  

Viera came in to relieve starting pitcher Ben Ancheff who pitched 5.1 innings allowing one run on five hits.  Anchefff struck out six and walked three batters.

During game one, the Lions would be first to reach the scoreboard with one runin the top of in the first.   However, in the bottom of the second the Bobcats would strike back when Oscar Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Oscar Aguirre.  With the game tied 1-1 headed into the bottom of the sixth inning, St. Thomas would find the scoreboard yet again.  Bryan Bermudez doubled to left and the ball was misplayed by the left fielder, allowing Michael Centeno to reach home.  Steven Fischer then hit an RBI-single to center field to score Bermudez for a 3-1 Bobcat lead.  In the bottom of the seventh, Centeno would drive in teammate Kendrick Gutierrez on an RBI-double to left field.  Viera and the Bobcats defense would hold the Lions scoreless in the remaining innings for a final score (4-1).

In game two, the Bobcats ran away with the victory behind home runs by Adam Duarte and Cesar Ramirez.  The Bobcats scored six runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth.  STU then added two more runs in the sixth to invoke the 10-run rule.  Starting pitcher Aex Hernandez earned the win after allowing two earned runs and striking out seven in 5.1 innings pitched.  Erne Valdes pitched the final 1.2 innings and did not allow a run.

St. Thomas heads back to the diamond on Tuesday for a home game against Keiser University.  First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Paul Demie Mainieri Field. 

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