The preseason is officially over. This week, the road toward Lewiston, Idaho will get fresh pavement, as the Bobcats ready themselves for the 2017 season with aspirations of a title on their mind. Before we preview the upcoming week, let's give you a recap of last week.


TUNE UP: SCRIMMAGES AND SCOUT DAY
St. Thomas finished up two home scrimmages against Palm Beach State College and Broward College. Last Tuesday, the Bobcats hosted Miami-Dade College for a scout day exhibition game. There was plenty to be impressed with as STU rolled to a 21-0 victory. The team displayed just how dangerous they can be with lights out pitching and a ton of run support. Collectively, the lineup produced 21 runs on 20 hits. Six hitters had multiple hits in the game, and seven Bobcats scored multiple runs. Another interesting stat is the lineup hit more doubles (eight) than it struck out (seven). Individually, Michael Centeno led the way with a 3-4 night with six RBI, highlighted by a grand slam over the center field wall. Daniel Lowry had a 4-5 night. Oscar Rodriguez and Kendrick Gutierrez both collected 3 hits.

Not to be overlooked in a game like this was how good the pitching looked. Erne Valdes, Orlando Rodriguez, Kenny Roder, Chris Rodriguez, and Brandon Valentin combined for a 2-hit shutout of the Sharks. Valdes struck out the first five batters he faced, ending up with 1-2-3 innings in his two innings of work. That helped set the tone for the rest of the night for the pitching staff. Bobcat pitchers stuck out 13 Shark hitters, surrendering just two walks to go along with the two hits.


THIS WEEK'S LINEUP
Turning the page to a new week, STU will be busy. On Tuesday, January 31 it will be opening night at Paul Demie Mainieri Field against Florida Memorial. Last season the Bobcats had great success against FMU going 5-0, sweeping the season series. Game time is set for 6 p.m. and a handful of pregame festivities are in store for you. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Javier Perez, South Dade High School Principal and former Assistant Baseball Coach at St. Thomas, who lost his legs in a tragic accident last year. Donations will be accepted at the gate for #JaviStrong to help Perez and his family with medical bills incurred.  Following the ceremonial first pitch, opening day lineups will be announced with the entire 2017 rosters of both teams introduced on each foul line.


ALABAMA GETAWAY
Taking part in the NAIA Southeastern Challenge, the Bobcats will be heading up to Montgomery, Alabama to play tough competition in a showdown between top teams from The Sun Conference, the Appalachian Athletic Conference, the Southern States Athletics Conference and the Mid-South Conference . Games will start that Friday against no. 6 Lindsey Wilson College at 11:30 a.m. Then on Saturday, STU will be tested by the fourth ranked Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs, followed by no. 2 ranked Faulkner University. First pitch for the Saturday games are set at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.


Be sure to head out to Paul Demie Mainieri Field on the campus of St. Thomas University on Tuesday, January 31 to cheer on your Bobcats on opening night. Stay tuned to stubobcats.com for details on how to follow the NAIA Southeastern Challenge games.