Senior Roberto Reyes smashed a three-run home run and the Flames pitching staff hurled another shutout, Saturday, as the Flames defeated visiting Shawnee State University, 4-0.

Battling freezing temperatures and occasional snow flurries, four Lee pitchers combined for the team’s fifth consecutive shutout, including all three of this weekend’s games. Jose Samayoa (2-0) led the way in Saturday’s game, tossing five innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out one and walking none.

Matt Passauer came on to pitch two solid innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out one. Senior James Rechenbach and sophomore Andy Hillis each pitched one inning, with Rechenbach allowing one hit with two strikeouts and Hillis retiring the Bears in order in the ninth.

“Once again, our pitching continued to lead the way,” said Lee head coach Mark Brew. “Samayoa, Passauer, Rechenbach and Hillis were outstanding on a tough day to pitch, and to shut out a quality opponent like Shawnee three times is an amazing feat.”

Lee scored all four of their runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, starting with Preston Scoggins scoring from third on an error by Shawnee first baseman Danny Gesick. Later in the inning, Reyes delivered the dagger with the three-run blast over the left field fence, scoring Edmanuel Rivera and Blake Barber.

“Reyes’ three-run homer was a big swing and a difference maker,” added Brew. “We need Roberto (Reyes) to lead the way offensively and hopefully that will help him get in a groove.”

All totaled, the Flames knocked out five hits, two by Scoggins and one each from Rivera, Barber and Reyes.

Shawnee State had four players pitch in a hit, with AJ Gomez delivering the only one for extra bases with a double. Colin Keim, Cody Spires, and Quintin Everman each added singles.

The Bears best scoring opportunity came in the top of the fifth inning. With the game still scoreless, Spires was hit by a pitch and was immediately followed by Gomez’s double.

With one out, Everman hit a ground ball to Reyes. The Lee first baseman stepped on the bag and threw to Rivera at second base, with Gomez, the runner at second, drifting toward third. Spires then took off for home and Rivera threw to Lee catcher, Taylor Comford, who scooped the in-between hop and applied the tag, completing the unusual 3-6-2 double play.

“Defensively, we did a good job on a tough day. The play Comford made digging Edmanuel’s (Rivera) throw out of the dirt was a big play to keep the shutout intact,” remarked Brew.

The Bears used four pitchers in Saturday’s contest. Carter Bledsoe (0-2) was credited with the loss, after working 4 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits, walking and striking out two. Adam Wamsley came on for an inning and a third, also surrendering two runs. Cody Spires and Jordan Williams each worked one inning, both retiring the Flames in order.

3rd-ranked Lee remains undefeated on the young 2012 season, moving to 8-0. They will have a quick turnaround, hosting Union College (Ky.), Monday, traveling to Tennessee Wesleyan College, Wednesday, and opening conference play at Emmanuel College, Friday and Saturday.

“We have a huge week ahead with games against top teams in Union College (No.12) and Tennessee Wesleyan (No.18), and our conference opener against Emmanuel. Things will only get tougher from this point forward.”