Lakehawks Start Conference Play with a Bang

Leesburg, Fla. – Conference play could not have started any better for the Lake-Sumter State College baseball team after taking down St. John's River State College for the second time this week Wednesday.

Monday marked the opening of the Mid-Florida Conference schedule with LSSC hosting SJRSC. The Vikings held a 4-3 lead over the Lakehawks heading into the bottom of the eighth when Angel Padilla smacked a two-run single into the outfield. Lake-Sumter was able to bring around one more run to go up 6-4 with the ninth inning looming. Bryant Heston, who had already pitched a clean eighth inning, did so again in the ninth to pick up the win. Starter, Jake Janata was fantastic on the bump going seven innings and giving up just three earned runs while striking out five.

Padilla was 3 for 4 at the plate with a double, three RBI's and a run scored. Naphis Llanos has continued to swing a hot bat collecting three hits, one RBI and one walk.

Lake-Sumter traveled to Palatka Wednesday for the second game of the series. After a tight 6-5 ball game through the first four innings, the Lakehawk offense tore down the flood gates and plated seven more runs over the next four innings. The pitching staff was able to keep St. John's scoreless to get the 13-5, run rule victory, in seven innings.

Parker Grahe was summoned from the bullpen in the second inning and kept the Vikings to one run over 2 1/3 innings. Nick Donatucci was credited with the win going 1 2/3 innings without allowing a base runner and striking out two. Leadoff batter Kobie Leonard was 3 for 4 with three RBI's in the game. Mickey Skole hit his first home run of the season in the top of the third inning, a two-run shot that gave his team a permanent lead. With four RBI's, Cameron Rodriguez had a day going 2-2 with a game changing double to his credit.

Lake-Sumter (13-10, 2-0) will host St. John's Friday for game three of the series. First pitch will be at 3 pm.