Lake Wales, Fla. — Spring Break trips often serve as a proving ground for college baseball teams, helping them refine their approach before the grind of conference play begins. However, for the Aquinas baseball team, the frustration of a difficult start to the season continues to mount. The Saints dropped both games on Saturday, including a second consecutive shutout loss to No. 17-ranked Cumberlands, followed by a tough defeat against Warner.

Game 1: Cumberlands 7, Aquinas 0

For the second straight day, the Saints (1-11) were unable to crack the scoreboard against Cumberlands, falling 7-0 as Patriots' ace Wilson dominated with a complete-game shutout.

Aquinas managed five hits in the contest, with Ramsey Bousseau, Dylan Nguyen, Grant Martin, Aidan Schmuckal, and Dawson Shearer each collecting a single. Nguyen provided an early spark by swiping a base in the first inning, but the Saints couldn't string together the necessary offense to challenge the Patriots.

Cumberlands took an early lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a throwing error to go up 1-0. A two-run homer from A. Gonzalez in the third extended the lead, and the Patriots tacked on runs in the fifth and sixth innings to secure the win.

Travis Weide (0-2) took the loss for AQ, allowing two runs over two innings. Relievers Aaron Hileman and Zachary Dingwell combined to finish the game, but Cumberlands' 13-hit attack proved too much to overcome.

Game 2: Warner 17, Aquinas 5

Later in the evening, the Saints found themselves in another early hole, as Warner (10-12) erupted for six runs in both the first and second innings en route to a commanding 17-5 victory.

Despite the tough start, Aquinas showed some fight in the third inning, when Chase Robinson and Kasy Shadduck delivered key RBIs to cut into the deficit. Robinson put together a solid day at the plate, finishing with a hit, two RBIs, and two stolen bases.

The Saints pushed across two more runs in the sixth, with Dawson Shearer and Robinson working bases-loaded walks. However, Warner's offense remained relentless, piling up 15 hits and keeping Aquinas at bay.

On the mound, Sam Pollack (0-3) suffered the loss after recording just one out in the first inning, allowing six runs (four earned) on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.

Inside the Numbers

• 5 – The number of different Saints players who recorded a hit in Game 1.
• 2 – The number of stolen bases by Chase Robinson, highlighting his aggressiveness on the basepaths.
• 6 – The runs scored by Warner in both the first and second innings, setting the tone early.
• 13 – Total hits allowed by AQ's pitching staff against Cumberlands.

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Chris LaMange was candid about the team's struggles but acknowledged the importance of a mental reset:

"The best part about today's games is we have a day off tomorrow. We need to refresh ourselves mentally and physically in order to come back Monday, ready to play our best baseball of the trip."

Up Next

The Saints will take advantage of a much-needed off day before returning to action on Monday. AQ heads to Auburndale's Lake Myrtle Sports Park for a morning doubleheader against Dordt.