AVE MARIA, Fla. – Orlando Rivera went 4-5 with two RBI and Erne Valdes struck out ten batters to lead no. 12 ranked St. Thomas (4-2, 1-0 TSC) to a 8-3 victory over host Ave Maria (6-2, 0-1 TSC) Friday night in The Sun Conference opener for both teams.

The Bobcats trailed 3-2 entering the eighth inning before unleashing six runs over the final two innings to put away the Gyrenes.  In the top of the eighth, Daniel Lowry scored on an error to tie the game 3-3 before Rivera hit a 2-run double to left-center to record the game-winning RBI.  David Palenzuela hit an RBI single to right that then scored Rivera to cap off a four-run frame for the Bobcats.  In the top of the ninth, James Spatafora hit his second home run of the season to make the score 8-3.

Valdes (2-0) earned the win after allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out 10 and walking one.  Valdes held the Gyrenes scoreless for his final four innings, striking out seven consecutive batters he faced from the fourth through the sixth.

Brandon Valentin earned the save, relieving Valdes for the eighth and the ninth.  Valentin shut out the Gyrenes in his two innings pitched, allowing just one hit and a walk.

The two teams continue the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.