(Theresa Proudfit photo) Niagara’s Edward Swanson (30) tries to put a tag on Florence’s Will Kelly (3) in baseball action Friday at Florence. Niagara pitcher Logan Bath (4) looks on.

FLORENCE, Wis. — Sophomore Evan Johnson went three for three with a double, triple and inside-the-park home run and 4 RBIs as Florence defeated Niagara 10-0 on Friday.

Cole Sweig was the winning pitcher for the Bobcats, toeing the mound for four innings, allowing two hits. He tallied five strikeouts and two walks. He also cracked two doubles.

Johnson pitched the top of the fifth inning for Florence, (1-0), walking one batter and fanning two. Cody Reubens went 2-2 with a double for the Bobcats.

“We had a couple mental mistakes, other than that, I am happy with the way we played, especially for our first game,” said veteran Florence head coach Dave LaPoint.

Logan Bath started the game for Niagara and took the loss. Ross Shampo pitched 1 1/2 innings in relief. The duo combined for five walks and struck out four.

“Our kids threw strikes, but we had young players pitch today. We know we’re a young team and will take our lumps in the early going this season,” said Niagara head coach Dean Neveau.”The front end of Florence’s batting order is really good.”

Niagara (0-3) returns home to host Marinette-Oconto Conference foes Coleman on Monday and Crivitz on Thursday. Florence travels to Dunbar to take on Goodman-Pembine on Tuesday for Northern Lakes Conference action.

Box Score

Niagara 0 0 0 0 0 — 0/2/4

Florence 2 3 4 1 X — 10/10/2