Matchup: No. 24 Keiser University Seahawks vs McPherson College Bulldogs
Records: Keiser Seahawks (1-0) vs. McPherson Bulldogs (0-4)
Score: Keiser 16, McPherson 4
Pitchers of Record: W: C. Hawkes (1-0), L: M. Vigil (0-1)
Time of Game: 10:00 AM
Silvester Jr. Field, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Dimensions: 300 - Left; 330 - Left Center; 350 - Center; 357 - Right Center; 305 - Right

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – No. 24 Keiser baseball exploded for 16 runs on 15 hits to defeat McPherson 16-4 in eight innings on Monday morning, opening the season in the win column.

Carson Hawkes delivered a career performance on the mound for the Seahawks, striking out a Keiser career-high six batters over five innings of work. The right-hander was dominant from the third inning on, retiring 15 of the final 16 batters he faced while scattering just one hit and allowing no earned runs after the second inning.

McPherson struck first, building a 4-0 advantage through two innings. The Bulldogs plated three runs in the opening frame and added another in the second to take the early lead.

Keiser finally broke through in the third inning with a run to make it 4-1, then added two more in the fourth to cut the deficit to 4-3. Jake Olsen drove in a pair of runs with a single, while Cameron Hancock provided a solo homerun.

The Seahawks took complete control in the sixth inning, erupting for three runs to seize a 6-4 lead. Ty Martinez delivered a three-run shot over the right field wall to give Keiser their first lead of the game. The Seahawks continued to pour it on in the seventh, scoring five runs to extend the advantage to 11-4, capitalizing on McPherson bullpen struggles with clutch two-out hitting.

The Seahawks saved their best for last in the eighth inning, scoring five more runs to end the game early. With the bases loaded and two outs, Olsen launched a grand slam to left field — his first home run of the season — to invoke the run rule and seal the victory. 

Olsen finished 3-for-5 with a grand slam, a double, five RBI and three runs scored. Martinez went 4-for-4 with a double and four RBI and three runs scored, while Brooks added three two and three RBI. Hancock contributed with his solo homerun. The Seahawks also drew seven walks and stole three bases in the offensive clinic.

The Seahawks will welcome Brewton-Parker this Friday and Saturday for a four-game series, featuring doubleheaders on both days. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. on January 30.