By Elijah Alvarado, Sports Editor
The Saint Leo University baseball team was more than ready to defend their home field as they hosted their home opening series. Those who were in attendance showed their lions-pride and dedicated support for their team.
This weekend, Saint Leo baseball team hosted a non-conference four-game opening home series sweep at Thomas B. Southard Stadium. The Lions entered the series with a record of 1–1 after splitting season opening series.
Saint Leo unleashed a dominant performance both offensively and defensively, scoring a total of 62 runs off 56 hits collectively over the weekend, and only allowing a total of 13 runs.
Saint Leo’s dominating offensive performance was led by SSC (Sunshine State Conference)Player of the Week, Ryan Crivello, a senior majoring in marketing and a second baseman for Saint Leo University Baseball.
According to the Saint Leo Athletics website, Crivello went 9 for 13 in the series and currently leads the team at the plate with a .579 batting average, 12 runs, and 5 doubles.
Crivello remains humbled by not just speaking on his plate performance but the team overall performance at the plate.
“This weekend was a great first weekend being back at home. The teams bat came out hot early in the series, and we kept that momentum going through the four-game stretch,” said Crivello.
Successful team performance does not come off one person or side; it requires complete collaboration from every side of the field including the coaching staff.
“The pitching staff did an excellent job limiting base runners and keeping runs to a minimum,” said Crivello.
“Overall, it was an excellent team effort by the guys to ultimately get a four-game sweep, which is never easy,” added Crivello.
Saint Leo baseball is led by second year head coach, Joshua Keim. Kiem shares insight into the remarkable early-season performance by second baseman Ryan Crivello and what this means for the team as the season progresses.
“Ryan’s focus and preparation all year has led to his consistency at the plate and at shortstop for us early this season. He is a tone-setter for our team,” said Kiem.
Saint Leo takes the field every single game with the goal to always play to the best of their abilities. Kiem was very proud of his team’s performance and as they move forward, they will look to build off the current performance.
“We played mostly to our standard all weekend and executed it in every facet of the game. It is important that we continue to build and get better as we go,” stated Kiem.
For the Saint Leo baseball team, their next mission will be to host the University of Wisconsin-Parkside for a four-game series at Thomas B. Southard Stadium, beginning this Friday at 5 p.m.All are welcome to join the fun and show their lions-pride.
