WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Davenport baseball (7-10) opened up their Florida trip with an 11-6 victory over St. Cloud State (9-10) on Wednesday at Chain O' Lakes Stadium as part of the RussMatt Invitational. Davenport took an early lead with five runs in the first inning, but gave up the next five runs to trail 6-5 after six innings. They scored four runs in the seventh to take the lead for good and added two more in the eighth. The Huskies committed five errors, contributing to its defeat as only five runs were earned by DU. Impressively, Davenport recorded 11 runs batted in, exceeding their season average of 8.31, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Davenport opened the game with a powerful offensive display, scoring five runs in the first inning. Sam Clay scored the first run after reaching on a walk and advancing on an error. Dylan Pawenski added another with a sacrifice fly, scoring Wyatt Epple. Carson Lindau drove in three runs with a double down the left field line, advancing to third on a fielding error, bringing the score to 5-1 after the first inning.

In the second inning, SCSU reduced the deficit to 5-2 with a sacrifice fly by Max Robinson. Neither team scored in the third and fourth innings, keeping the score at 5-2.

SCSU edged closer in the fifth with Eric Bello's RBI single, making it 5-3. The sixth inning saw the Huskies take the lead with three runs, including two scored on a single by Bello, bringing the score to 6-5.

Davenport regained control in the seventh inning, scoring four runs. Epple doubled and scored on a single by Justin Johnson. Aiden Warn followed with an RBI single. Lindau contributed with a two-run single to center field, moving Davenport ahead 9-6. Davenport also totaled five stolen bases in the game, surpassing their season average of 1.13, which helped them maintain their aggressive edge.

In the eighth inning, Davenport extended its lead. Epple doubled and later scored on Pawenski's two-RBI single, increasing the advantage to 11-6.

SCSU was unable to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, as Davenport secured an 11-6 victory.

Carson Anthes started the game for Davenport, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing nine hits and five runs, with four of those earned. He faced 29 batters and issued two walks, while not recording any strikeouts in his outing. Connor Apligian made a brief appearance, allowing one hit and hitting a batter without recording an out. Joe Chrapliwy (1-0) delivered a strong relief performance, pitching 3 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit, striking out two, and not giving up any runs, earning him the win.

Epple collected two doubles and scored three runs, while stealing three bases. Warn contributed with two hits, including two RBIs, and reached base on a hit-by-pitch. Pawenski drove in three runs, going 1-for-4 with a sacrifice fly. Carson Lindau delivered with a career-high five RBIs and a double, finishing with two hits in the game.

Looking ahead, Davenport will take the field at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, when it plays Northern State in Davenport, Fla.