Feb. 15, 2004

Final Stats

BOCA RATON, FL-Senior Rob Horst collected four RBI on three hits to guide no. 19 Florida Atlantic University to a 7-2 win over Southern Illinois University on Sunday. Horst hit a two-run homer in the first inning to tie the game before a two-run single in the third inning gave FAU all of the offense it needed to remain undefeated at 7-0. The Salukis are the second team to fall victim to an FAU sweep this season and fall to 0-3.

SIU scored in the first inning to claim its first lead of the series on a double by Grant Gerrard. It was the first runs SIU posted on the scoreboard in 13 innings as Nathan Emrick and Greg Andrews came around to score. Both players were given first base by FAU starting pitcher, Mike Crotta. Crotta (Palm City, FL) hit Emrick with a pitch and then struck out two before issuing a walk to Andrews.

The Florida Atlantic pitching staff did not allow another run in the contest. Crotta (2-0) worked five innings and struck out eight batters and only allowed three hits.

"Crotta (a freshman) must have made some high school kids look silly with his changeup last season," said head coach Kevin Cooney. "That pitch has been very effective for him especially against left-handed hitters."

Craig Hughes, Allen Knight and Chris Saxton closed out the game for the FAU pitching staff.

Horst (Gering, NE) picked up the second hit of the third inning as FAU again used an entourage of runs to win. The team used three walks and three hits to add five runs to the scoreboard. Over the three game series FAU plated at least four runs in four innings.

Ryan Davis suffered his first loss of the season for Southern Illinois after he worked 2 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs on four hits.

George Washington University will travel to Boca Raton on February 20-22 for a three-game series at FAU Stadium. It will be the first meeting between the two teams when they meet at 7 pm on Friday.