BABSON PARK, Fla. (January 27, 2023) - It was opening day for the Webber International University baseball team on Friday night as it hosted rival Warner University in a non-conference matchup. The No. 9 Warriors used the long ball to pick up three of their four runs in a 4-1 opening day-victory over the Royals.

The Warriors (1-0 overall) put on quite a pitching display, allowing just one run on two hits to the Royals (0-1). Starting on the mound for Webber was senior Xavier Rodriguez who tossed 5.0 innings, giving up just one run on one hit and tallying six strikeouts. Sophomore Mark Link earned the win in his Warrior-debut as he threw 3.0 innings without allowing a single hit and punched out three as well. Dawson Young came in to close out the game, earning the save and striking out three of the four batters he faced.

With two outs in the bottom of the first, Luis Acevedo handed the Warriors their first run of the year with one swing of the bat, as a long fly ball carried over the left-field fence. Rodriguez went one-two-three in the first two innings, but Warner picked up its first and only run of the game in the top of the third after a misplaced throw from the catcher to second base allowed a runner to cross the plate.

It became a pitchers duel from that point on as there were just three base hits between both teams through the first six and a half innings of play. The Warriors had a great opportunity to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh after a single from Angel Diaz loaded the bases with one out. However, Warner was able to work its way out of the inning to keep the game tied at 1-1.

Webber was able to break the game open in the bottom of the eight, however, after Gabriel Dorsey lead-off the inning with a double down the left field line. Dorsey was then thrown out at third base on a fielder's choice but a single by Tommy Diaz put runners on first and second with one out. Back-to-back wild pitches by the Royals sent Hernando Alvarez home to earn the Warriors the 2-1 lead. Drake Dobyanski then fired a line-drive over the fence in right field to make it 4-1 heading into the ninth.

Dobyanski led the Warriors, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI's while Acevedo ended the game 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI as well. A. Diaz and Dorsey both finished 1-for-3 while Alvarez and Tavion Williams each scored a run. Webber struck out 12 hitters in total between all three pitchers and allowed just two hits.

Webber will be back in action tomorrow with another game against the Royals, this time away from home, as they travel to Warner University on Saturday afternoon. It will be another non-conference matchup as first pitch is set for 1 p.m.