MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas (1-0) defeated Florida Memorial (0-3) 11-0 on Opening Night at Paul Demie Mainieri Field as the game ended on a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth by James Spatafora that invoked the 10-run rule. Five Bobcat pitchers combined to allow just one hit over eight shutout innings.

Centerfielder Oscar Rodriguez went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI to lead the Bobcats offensively.

Chris Rodriguez picked up his first win of the season, as he set the tone for a one-hit night. Pitching three innings, Rodriguez got Lion hitters to roll into two double plays. Andrew Denis followed with two hitless innings of his own, walking one. Devon Stubbings, Brandon Valentin, and Jose Pupo all contributed with one inning a piece, with Valentin and Pupo facing the minimum in their innings. Collectively, the staff amounted three strikeouts on one hit, three walks, facing 22 Lion hitters.

Pregame, the Bobcats welcomed back former Assistant Coach, and South Dade High School Principal Javier Perez to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, which was dedicated to Perez.  Donations were collected at the door to benefit medical expenses incurred for Perez who suffered a tragic accident last year where he lost both of his legs. St. Thomas helped raise $932 for #JaviStrong. Prior to the game, Perez spoke to the team in a private gathering in the Bobcats' locker room.

Next up for the Bobcats is a trip to Montgomery, Alabama to face three of the NAIA Top-10 ranked baseball teams of the preseason. Friday, February 3 STU plays No. 6 Lindsey Wilson College at 11:30 a.m.