MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial's final series of the season began with a 11-2 loss to St. Thomas in game one of the Battle of Miami Gardens.

St. Thomas took the lead with four early runs in the bottom of the first inning to put them up 4-0 over the Lions. FMU's Eduardo Perez answered with a sacrifice RBI that scored speedster Pheron Charlton in the top of the third to chip away at the lead. STU responded with two runs in the third inning to extend the lead over Florida Memorial.

The Lions scored their final run in the top of the fourth when designated hitter Keith Harden hit a single that scored left fielder Raymond Rivera , bringing the score to 6-2. St. Thomas added an additional five runs before the final pitch to take the 11-2 victory over the Lions.

Graduate student Max Charnin (5-6) was credited with the loss, allowing four hits and four earned runs in the contest. Sophomore Daniel Ramos came in relief and, in four innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs while striking out two Bobcats. FMU pitcher Jerryk Caceras rounded out the Lions' pitching trio, allowing two hits and three earned runs during his time on the mound.

The loss drops FMU to 19-22 on the year and 5-16 in conference play.

The Lions return to action Friday, April 26, where they'll travel to St. Thomas to take on the Bobcats for the doubleheader edition of the Battle of Miami Gardens. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Paul Demie Mainieri Field.