MIAMI GARDENS, Fla- No. 12 St. Thomas (7-2) defeated NCAA DII Barry University (2-6) 7-4 on Tuesday night. Starter Chris Rodriguez picked up his first win on the season as he went five innings, striking out three, limiting the Buccaneers to four hits and a run.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, the Bobcats had a quick response for Barry. Orlando Rivera led things off with a double down the right field line, and was later driven in off a double by David Palenzuela. Jack Diaz and Randy Oliva also scored to give Rodriguez early run support.

In the bottom of the second inning, Palenzuela would deliver some more Valentine's Day sweets for Bobcat fans as he drilled a solo shot over the right field wall. The home run gave St. Thomas a 6-1 advantage. Palenzuela finished the night going 2-for-3 with a double, home run, walk and 2 RBI. The run support allowed for Rodriguez to settle into the game, before being replaced by reliever Andrew Denis after the fifth inning. Denis pitched two scoreless frames and handed it off to Alex Perez, Jose Pupo, and Anthony Justiniano to finish off the night.

Justiniano earned not only his first save, but the team's first save of the season, when he entered the ninth inning for the one out save, striking out Justin Lamazares. That nugget highlights how well the Bobcats run differential has been thus far this season, since they hadn't had a save situation prior to tonight. The final score of the game was 7-4.

On deck for STU is a Sun Conference weekend series against Keiser University at home starting Friday, February 17, at 6 p.m. There will be a doubleheader Saturday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Make sure to head to the ballpark here at Paul Demie Mainieri Field to cheer on your Bobcats.