St. Thomas split its four-game schedule for the week, finishing 2-2, now 8-4 on the season, and 4-2 in the Sun Conference. Let's give you the rundown of last week and preview the upcoming schedule.

BOBCATS SHIPWRECK BUCCANEERS

On Tuesday, STU faced off against NCAA DII Barry University at home, winning the game 7-4. The Bobcats scored early and held on late to secure the victory. Chris Rodriguez picked up his first win of the season, working five strong innings, with three strikeouts, allowing one run off just four hits. The star of the game was David Palenzuela, who went 2-for-3, with a double, home run, a walk and 2 RBI.

STU FALLS TO KEISER IN SUN CONFERENCE SERIES

Over the weekend, in a battle between two NAIA heavyweights, No. 12 St. Thomas and No. 15 Keiser duked it out. Both schools are also in the Top 5 of Perfect Game's NAIA rankings—Keiser in the top spot at No. 1 and STU at No. 4. The Bobcats took game one, 7-3.
The night got started with a ceremonial first pitch by STU graduate Fred Maas, who was a member of the 1970-72 Bobcat baseball teams. Maas is now the Chief of Police for Sunny Isles Beach.

Erne Valdes picked up his third win of the season, and the offense was led by Nick Canino and Michael Centeno. Canino collected three hits in five at bats. He had a double and 3 RBI. Centeno was perfect at the plate going 4-for-4 scoring two runs and had an RBI.

Playing a doubleheader on Saturday, the day didn't go as planned for St. Thomas. Both games mirrored each other, ending in tough losses 5-4. The Bobcats rallied in the ninth inning of both games, but fell a run short each time.

ON DECK FOR THE BOBCATS

For the first time this season, STU will get a mid-week break from action. This off-day should come at a good time for Jorge Perez's club, as they will be able to regroup from a tough weekend and focus on their weekend opponent, Thomas University. This will mark the third straight weekend of Sun Conference action for STU. Friday, February 24, the Bobcats play a doubleheader against the Night Hawks at home. The games are slated for 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, the weekend will wrap up at 1 p.m. Make sure to head out to Paul Demie Mainieri Field to cheer on your Bobcats this Friday.