Davenport, FL – The Webber International Baseball team used a patient approach at the plate and capitalized on key defensive miscues to secure a 6-1 victory over Cornerstone University in a tightly contested matchup to kick off the 2025 RussMatt invitational.

Both teams struggled to convert early scoring opportunities, with Webber International collecting two hits in the first inning but failing to push a run across after a costly pickoff at first base. Cornerstone threatened in the bottom of the inning with runners on second and third, but Webber's defense held strong, and a strikeout ended the inning.

Cornerstone had another opportunity in the second, loading the bases with two outs after a walk and a wild pitch. However, back-to-back strikeouts from Jesse Kuzmicg ended the threat, keeping the game scoreless.

In the fourth inning, Cornerstone finally broke the deadlock, as C. Westerkam delivered an RBI single through the left side, scoring L. Griffith from third after a wild pitch moved him into scoring position. The rally was cut short when Westerkam was picked off at first base, limiting the damage to just one run.

Webber responded immediately in the fifth inning, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to seize control. After a hit-by-pitch and a walk, a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch brought in the tying run. The Warriors capitalized on a fielding error at third base, scoring an unearned run and giving Webber a 2-1 lead.

Webber added an insurance run in the sixth, as Skyler Schulz led off with a ground-rule double and later scored on an RBI groundout by Richard Rodriguez, extending the lead to 3-1.

In the seventh, Webber delivered the decisive blow, scoring three runs on a combination of errors and timely hitting. Ryan Recio led off with a single and advanced to third on an error, setting the stage for a sequence that saw Mike Cuello draw a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, followed by a fielder's choice that brought in two more runs, pushing the lead to 6-1.

Cornerstone had a chance to respond in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but Webber's pitching remained strong, inducing a strikeout to escape the jam.

Webber's bullpen shut the door in the final two innings, with Jalen Martinez and Noah Palmese combining for four strikeouts in a perfect eighth and ninth inning. Palmese struck out two batters looking in the ninth, securing the 6-1 victory.