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Bats Provide Runs, Leja Picks Up Win


Clearwater bounced back in the second game of the weekend winning 10-7. Junior Kyle Leja took the hill and picked up his third victory of the season, throwing 6 1/3 innings, giving up five earned, and striking out three. Senior Zack Weber collected three hits and had 4 RBI's on the day. He also scored twice.

The Cougars scored first in the contest, as Weber reached base in the top of the first with two outs, after the catcher interfered with his bat on the swing, giving him first base. The next pitch, freshman catcher Nate Krouse ripped one of his two doubles in the game, scoring Weber from first, giving the Cougars a 1-0 advantage.

Suns catcher Carlos Guzman collected a 2 RBI double of his own in the bottom half of the first, giving them a 2-1 lead, and then eventually scored.

Clearwater bounced right back in the second inning, with no runners on and two outs. Sophomore Chaz Russo and freshman Henry Turner hit back to back singles, followed by senior Ethan Barba reaching base with a free pass, loading the bases. Sophomore David Edwards was then walked, forcing in Russo to cut the deficit to 3-2. A third straight base on balls was issued to junior Chris Caudillo, tying the game at 3-3. Weber then hit a double to the outfield wall, scoring all three runners, giving the Cougars a 6-3 lead.

Henry Turner, who went 3-4, knocked in sophomore Eddie Fuentes from first, with an RBI triple in the third inning, extending the Cougars lead to 7-3.

Florida Christian threatened in the bottom of the seventh, leaving the bases loaded, and the tying run at first to end the game. Freshman Manny Chmielewski relieved Leja, recording a strikeout and the save.

Russo, Turner, Krouse, and Weber each had multi hit days.

The win improves the Cougars record to 9-26 overall.