Fast starts and solid play are becoming familiar themes for the Flames these days. Like last season, the men’s baseball team has opened up with seven wins in their first eight games and has been receiving noteworthy contributions from everyone on the field.

Questions have surrounded the newly revamped men’s team concerning if they could respond with the same level of success as last year’s squad. But the Flames have taken little time to show the baseball world they are for real.

The first series against Lindenwood proved to a memorable one, as the Flames took three of four against the 14th-ranked Lions. In two of those games, the ignited Flames battled back to steal the momentum and hold on for the one-run win.

“We saw good pitching, clutch hitting and a team that wouldn’t quit when they were down. We had guys step up and make big plays, big pitches, and have clutch at bats. We are very pleased that we could win 3 of 4 from another highly ranked team,” said Coach Craig Kleinmann.

Clutch performances by Jeremy Hutslar and Chris Warters, and nearly flawless pitching by Dallas Sims, paved the way for a sweep in the first doubleheader, while the hot bats of Kevin Wyman and Clint Harrelson came through in the following set.

Last weekend, the team swept a four-game set with Virginia Intermont, outscoring the Cobras 39-7 in the process.

In game one, Dallas Sims pitched a complete shutout, striking out seven and allowing only three hits.

Following Sim’s gem, the Flames bats exploded for twenty-two hits and twenty runs over the next two games, with every regular starter contributing at least one hit.

The Cobras seemed set on taking game four, after jumping out to 4-0 lead after two innings, but the Flames offense came through with their most productive effort of the season led by Wyman’s four RBI’s and Brian Bistagne’s 4-4 showing at the plate.

The Flames will play five more home games before hitting the road for a six-game stand next Tuesday. Although the season is young, the team understands each game builds on the other.

“We know we have a long way to go though. This is the most talented and competitive team I’ve ever been on. Hopefully we’ll keep winning and improving as the year progresses,” said Hutslar.