CARY, N.C. (March 16) – Saint Augustine's University pounded out 14 hits to trounce Bluefield State College 9-2 in the first game of a baseball doubleheader Friday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. The Falcons lost the second game 7-3.

Jamal Keels (Jr./Manning, SC) batted 3-of-4 with a double and four RBIs for the Falcons in the first game. Nick Roets (Fr./Charlotte, NC) was 3-of-4 with one double, two RBIs and three runs scored, and Brandon Bly (Jr./New Castle, DE) was 2-of-3 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Stephon Hines (Fr./Coatesville, PA) was 2-of-3 with one run scored and Derrick Rabb, Jr. (Fr./Charlotte, NC) scored two runs for the Falcons. Hector Pichardo (Jr./Dominican Republic) had one RBI and one run scored, and Ruben Pinero (Sr./Bronx, NY) totaled one RBI. Tyus France (Fr./Jacksonville, NC) gained the win after scattering seven hits in seven complete innings.

The Falcons took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Bluefield State (5-7 overall) came back to tie the score in the second inning. Keyed by Keels' RBI double, the Falcons went ahead 4-2 in the bottom of the second and extended the margin to 6-2 in the fourth on Keels' two-run single. They tacked on three runs in the sixth on Roets' two-run double and Keels' RBI single.

In the second game, the Falcons (9-14 overall) dug an early hole when they fell behind 6-0 in the first inning. They trailed 7-0 in the second inning before cutting into their deficit. Pinero hit an RBI single in the second inning and Keels and Pichardo both had RBI groundouts in the third inning to get the Falcons within four runs. As it turned out, neither team scored the rest of the game.

Both Keels and Carson Davis (Jr./Oakboro, NC) collected a double in the second game. The trio of Roets, Rabb, Jr. and Davis scored for the Falcons.

A second doubleheader between both teams is set for Saturday, March 17, at the USA Baseball National Training Complex at 1 p.m. This is the last home twinbill for the Falcons, who will recognize Marquis Johnson (Richmond, VA) along with Pichardo and Pinero between games on Senior Day.