March 3, 2001

Box Score

ST PETERSBURGH, FL - Six runs were scored in the first inning, they were the only six runs scored in the game that gave Western Michigan University a 5-1 victory over Florida Atlantic University (10-7) at the Devil Rays Collegiate Invitational, at Florida Power Park--Al Lang Field.

Jason Sullivan hit a one-out single up the middle in the top of the first. Mike Valdes, who was 2-for-4 on the day, followed with a single advancing the sophomore second baseman to third. Sullivan then scored on a ground out.

FAU took to the field in the bottom half of the inning with a one-run first inning cushion and control of the game. It would be the last time the team controlled the game after FAU witnessed the Broncos score five runs on three walks, three hits, including a double and one Blue Wave error, a failed pick-off.

At that point, both pitchers settled in. Freshman, Travis NeSmith, who drew his second start of the season, allowed just two more hits no runs and walked none over the next three innings. Aaron Diehl finished the game for FAU. The first hit he allowed was a double by Jeff Toner. He would then move to third on a single by Tom Fabrizio, but WMU would never threaten again.

Shawn Morrison pitched a complete game for Western Michigan. He gave up six hits, but retired 10 on strikeouts holding FAU at bay.

The two teams will be back in action on Sunday. FAU will play the University of South Florida at 3 pm, WMU will play host Notre Dame, at noon.