Saints baseball claims first two PBC games

By Mari Pothier | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Saints made history winning their first two Peach Belt Conference games against Augusta State, according to head coach Dave Barnett.

In a double header on Saturday, Feb. 27, the team won their first game 6-4 and dominated the second with a 14-5 win according to the Flagler College athletic website. On Sunday, Feb. 28, they won 9-5.

“We played at a really high level,” Barnett said.

In the chilly conditions the team all around played well.

According to Barnett pitching played a key role in producing these wins.

“All three starters kept us in it,” Barnett said.

Clutch hits and getting in scoring position also helped the Saints dominate their first conference games, according to first baseman Zach Bove.

“Hitters came up big when we needed them,” Bove said.

Out fielder, Jarrod Simmons has carried the team, according to Barnett. In the bottom of the eighth in game two on Saturday Simmons hit a grand slam, according to the Flagler College athletic website.

“He’s our hottest player,” Barnett said.

Bove, a senior and the athlete of the week, feels that people underestimated the team and these games, “showed we can have a successful season.”

But the team is also a little different this season.

“We play more as a team this year,” Bove said. “We know each others strengths and we try to build off that.”

According to Barnett the team still needs to improve in some areas.

“Our pitchers need to be a little more consistent,” Barnett said in regards to not going deep within the count. He also discussed small ball improvements which includes bunting.

The Saints next in conference games are against UNC-Pembroke, the weekend of March 13-14.

Barnett though was thrilled about the three in conference wins last weekend.

“I’m pleased overall,” Barnett said.