Bradenton, FL – It was anything but a leisurely trip to Florida for the Aquinas Baseball team. Between grueling travel, rain delays, and tough opponents, the Saints faced more than their fair share of adversity. Yet, when it mattered most, they delivered. On Tuesday, Aquinas capped off its southern road swing with a well-earned doubleheader sweep over New College of Florida, winning 6-5 in Game 1 and 7-6 in Game 2.

Game 1: Aquinas 6, New College of Florida 5

The Saints showed their resilience early, clawing their way back after falling behind. Down 3-0 in the first inning, Aquinas responded with a two-run second inning and a key run in the third to even the score. Aidan Schmuckal's patience at the plate paid off, reaching twice and scoring a run, while Luke LaCross added a timely RBI single.

After exchanging runs through the middle frames, Aquinas took control in the fifth. Grant Martin's RBI double and Dawson Shearer's run-scoring single proved to be the difference. On the mound, Kaleb Mitchelson shut down New College in relief, earning the win, while Cameron Gross closed the door for the save.

Game 2: Aquinas 7, New College of Florida 6

If the first game was a test of grit, the second was a battle of endurance. The Saints faced another early deficit, trailing 3-0 after one inning. But like before, they fought back—stringing together a four-run fifth inning to surge ahead.

LaCross played hero once again, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Grant Martin and Chase Robinson provided clutch at-bats to drive in key runs. On the mound, Caden Gregory picked up the win in relief, working out of jams and limiting damage. The game nearly slipped away in the seventh as New College plated two runs, but Will Kovl stepped up under pressure to secure the final outs and earn the save.

Inside the Numbers:

• Luke LaCross: 4-for-8, 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored in the doubleheader.
• Grant Martin: 3-for-6, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, 2B in Game 2.
• Kaleb Mitchelson: 3 innings of scoreless relief in Game 1 (Win).
• Will Kovl: Clutch save in Game 2.
• Aquinas pitchers: Allowed only 3 earned runs across 9 innings in Game 2.

Coach's Comments:

Head Coach Chris LaMange emphasized how crucial these victories were:
"Very proud of how our guys battled all day today—two wins we desperately needed. There were plenty of reasons we might have folded—two long bus rides, the ninth game in six days, a losing streak—but instead, we had our best day of baseball this spring and are heading home on a two-game winning streak."

Up Next:

The Saints head home with momentum as they prepare to open WHAC conference play against Siena Heights on Saturday. With storms in the forecast, game times may shift—fans should check AQSaints.com for updates.