JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Paced by freshman Michael Baumann's seven strikeouts, the Jacksonville University baseball team claimed the series opener against USC Upstate, 6-1. The final home series continues tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. from John Sessions Stadium.

Baumann (7-1) threw five scoreless innings, striking out seven batters while Connor Marabell (3-for-4) led the 14-hit parade with a pair of doubles and RBIs. Austin Hays (2-for-4) and Angelo Amendolare (2-for-4) tallied a RBIs and doubles in the effort.

With the win, the Dolphins (24-28; 10-9 A-Sun) have won three-consecutive conference series openers, launching them into a current five seed among the Atlantic Sun standings. The conference tournament awaits the conclusion of the series and is slated for May 20.

Andrew Ciocia recorded his second save of the season in a career-high four innings pitched. He had one strikeout. Drew Luther (1-for-4) and Dylan Dillard (1-for-4) both secured doubles, while Cameron Gibson (2-for-4) secured his third consecutive multi-hit game.

"I would've liked Big Mike (Baumann) to throw less pitches. But wehn he got himself into trouble, he was able to get himself out," said head coach Tim Montez on limiting pitch count for his ace. "When you have his stuff, that's what you can do. Shut down scoring opportunities. He was big for us yet again."

Baumannn would strand runners in scoring position in three-consecutive innings, all with no outs. Most notably, the second inning when a leadoff double by Jake Beaver, a walk and a bunt hit loaded the bases. The Minnesota native would pick off the runner at first, and strike out the next two batters, escaping the bases loaded jam.

For the first time since 2013, the Dolphins have a seven-game winner on the pitching staff. The last man to do it, freshman All-American and current Tulsa Driller (L.A. Dodgers AA Affiliate) Chris Anderson. 

Jacksonville tallied back-to-back-to-back doubles beginning with Luther to lead off the fourth inning. Amendolare would follow, scoring Luther, and Marabell would do his best impression of the seniors, securing one of two doubles on the evening for 18 on the year. It was Amendolare's 15th and Luther's 14th doubles en route to a three run inning.

More of the same in the fifth when the home team tallied three runs off four hits. JJ Gould (1-for-4) led off the frame with a single and after Luther reached on an error, Amendolare singled. Marabell would drive in two runs for RBIs No. 47 and 48.

"It doesn't make us relax, it just allows us to play more freely," said Marabell of having already clinched a tournament berth. "We are still sticking with the process and winning as many games as we can. We have been getting hot at the right time and it's not about how you start it's about how you finish, we are just trying to stay hot heading into the conference tournament and that starts with this series." 

Ciocia would take over in the sixth inning with 2.1 scoreless innings, before a run was recorded with one out in the ninth. It marked back-to-back saves in opportunities for the sophomore.

"I know my role and I just try to do my job to help this team," said Ciocia of his career-high outing. "My arm feels great hit and I've been able to hit all my spots with a lot of my different pitches. The defense had my back today."

A strikeout came on a wicked, two strike breaking ball, "Luther called the curve, it's all about eye-level with the hitters top-left shoulder and I was able to execute it," said Ciocia.

Game 2 is slated for another 6:30 start as starting pitcher Spencer Stockton (3-4) and the Dolphins aim for the series clincher. 

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