VERO BEACH, Fla. - Nick Drahozal pitched a strong game Saturday as Kirkwood belted UCONN-Avery Point, 12-3, during its spring trip to Vero Beach, Fla.

Kirkwood lost its first game Saturday to Parkland, 9-0.

Drahozal, a freshman from Xavier High School, pitched a complete game and allowed only five hits in the seven-inning affair. He struck out eight batters and walked only one.

All three of Avery Point's runs were unearned. Drahozal threw 99 pitches, with 70 strikes.

Brandon Brittain collected three hits and three RBIs for Kirkwood in the victory. Eric Willis, Ozzie Adams, Bryce Grimm and Luke Hassman had two hits apiece.

Hassman had a double, triple and two RBIs. Grimm, another freshman from Xavier, had a triple and two RBIs.

The Eagles exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning against Avery Point.

The split left Kirkwood with a 4-6 record.

Game 1

Parkland     102 003 3 - 9 14 1
Kirkwood     000 000 0 - 0 2 3

W - Anderson. L - Neuhaus.

Game 2

Kirkwood     011 (10)00 0 - 12 14 2
Avery Point  000 300 0    - 3 5 0

W - Drahozal. L - Lapointe.