KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Nick Martin and Colin Dunn each rapped out three hits to lead Westfield State to an 8-5 win over Suffolk University on a sweltering day at Osceola Heritage Park Stadium.
Both the Owls and Rams were picked in the preseason top 10 selected by New England Baseball Journal.
Temperatures scraped 90 degrees in the stadium, which is the home of the Atlanta Braves A-Ball affiliate Florida Fire Frogs, and was the former spring training home of the Houston Astros.
Westfield jumped out to a quick start, scoring two runs in teh top of the first inning, as Anthony Crowley's base hit scored Casey Boudreau from second. One hitter later, Martin stole third base, then a few pitches later Crowley was caught off the bag at first, but managed to evade the rundown long enough to allow Martin to score from third.
The Owls added three more in the second on a 2-run double from Dunn and an RBI single from Aaron Clancy.
Trevor Edwards earned the win in releif of Westfield State starter Patrick Jordan, with two inings of scoreless relief. Scott Strachan added two scoreless frames to get the Owls to the ninth inning, where sophomore Troy Saulnier worked through trouble, allowing one run, but ultimately striking out the side to preserve the win.
Westfield is back in action tomorrow with a 3:45 p.m. game against Illinois Wesleyan in Auburndale, Fla.
