WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. St. Thomas (29-17, 13-7 TSC) defeated Keiser University (31-17, 13-7 TSC) 5-3 on Friday afternoon in West Palm Beach, Fla.

St. Thomas University started the first inning very strong with a lead off double from Steven Fischer followed by an RBI single from Cesar Ramirez scoring the pinch runner German Morales. That lead was short lived as Keiser University scored three unanswered runs throughout the game to take a 3-1 lead into top of ninth.

Down to their final three outs, Bobcats decided to save the best for last. Fischer led off the inning with an infield single. The bases became loaded after a Jose Gomez single and Oscar Rodriguez hit by a pitch. With tow outs and the bases loaded, Kendrick Gutierrez came through with a monstrous 2-RBI single to left field, scoring Gomez and pinch runner Morales to tie the game. Bobcats continued the two-out rally with a Bryan Bermudez walk followed by another clutch 2-RBI single this time from Michael Centeno to put St. Thomas ahead 5-3 in the top of the ninth.

Entering with the lead Alejandro Kan got two quick outs with a ground ball to second and a fly ball to left field. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Seahawks loaded the bases, putting the tying and winning runs on base. Alex Viera then came into relieve Kan to face KU's Jack Curtis. Viera, who has a perfect 6-0 reconds this season, struck out Curtis to earn the save (2) and end the Seahawks threat. 

Starting pitcher Erne Valdes did well for the Bobcats only allowing two earned runs on six hits with five walks and seven masterful strikeouts. Kan (5-0) earned the win after allowing only one earned run off three hits with three  strikeouts and three walks.

The series continues tomorrow  with a doubleheader at Keiser University. Game times are set for noon and 3 p.m.